Palanquinage
/ˌpælənˈkiːnɪdʒ/noun
The conveyance of a person by palanquin.
Did you know?Palanquin travel transformed an ordinary bed-like vehicle into a visible symbol of rank, especially in South and Southeast Asian court cultures.
Etymological Timeline
Sanskrit, before the Common Era
Sanskrit
paryaṅka
“A couch, bed, or divan; the probable ultimate source of palanquin.”
Medieval Indian languages
Hindi/Indic
pālkī
“A covered litter or sedan chair carried by bearers.”
16th Century
Portuguese
palanquim
“A palanquin, borrowed through Portuguese contact with India.”
17th Century
English
palanquin
“A covered litter carried on the shoulders of bearers.”
19th Century
English
palanquinage
“The use or operation of palanquins; conveyance by palanquin.”
Explore more surprising origins