palanquin
UK[ˌpælənˈkiːn]US[ˌpælənˈkiːn]
n
a covered litter for one passenger, formerly used in east asia, carried on the shoulders of two or more men.
Etymology
the word 'palanquin' entered english in the late 16th century from portuguese 'palanquim'. the portuguese term was borrowed from an indian source, likely from the sanskrit 'palyaṅka' meaning 'bed' or 'couch', via a prakrit or dravidian intermediary. the term reflects the european encounter with and adoption of asian cultural artifacts during the age of exploration. its journey from a sanskrit word for a bed to the english term for a specific type of enclosed litter illustrates the transmission of material culture and language across continents.
Analysis
this word is a loanword into english and is not productively formed from morphemes within the english language. its structure is not segmentable using english or standard classical roots.
Examples
the maharaja was carried through the city streets in an ornate palanquin.
in historical dramas, one often sees a palanquin used by noble ladies for transport.
the heavy palanquin required a team of four strong bearers to lift it.