Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Palanquin \Pal`an*quin"\, n. [F. palanquin, Pg. palanquim,
   Javan. palangki, OJavan. palangkan, through Prakrit fr. Skr.
   parya?ka, palya?ka, bed, couch; pari around (akin to E. pref.
   peri-) + a?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}.]

Source : WordNet®

palanquin
     n : a closed litter carried on the shoulders of four bearers
         [syn: {palankeen}]