[ noun ] a closed litter carried on the shoulders of four bearers <noun.artifact>
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}.]