Pal`an*quin" (?), n. [F. palanquin, Pg. palanquim, Javan. palangki, OJavan. palangkan, through Prakrit fr. Skr. paryaka, palyaka, bed, couch; pari around (akin to E. pref. peri-) + aka 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.]
© Webster 1913.