from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Palanquin \Pal`an*quin"\, n. [F. palanquin, Pg. palanquim,
Javan. palangki, OJavan. palangkan, through Prakrit fr. Skr.
parya[.n]ka, palya[.n]ka, bed, couch; pari around (akin to E.
pref. peri-) + a[.n]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]