palanquin

n. [ F. palanquin, Pg. palanquim, Javan. palangki, OJavan. palangkan, through Prakrit fr. Skr. parya&ndot_;ka, palya&ndot_;ka, bed, couch; pari around (akin to E. pref. peri-) + a&ndot_;ka a hook, flank, probably akin to E. angle fishing tackle. Cf. Palkee. ] An inclosed carriage or litter, commonly about eight feet long, four feet wide, and four feet high, borne on the shoulders of men by means of two projecting poles, -- used in India, China, etc., for the conveyance of a single person from place to place. [ Written also palankeen. ] [ 1913 Webster ]