Nalki
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
- 1 A princely open litter, borne by many men using multiple poles. India, historical
"... I shall commence with a description of the naulkeen, or naulkee, it being the first in rank among the contrivances of this description. This immense carriage is only used by crowned heads, and may be compared to a portable throne, on which the prince sits with his feet crossed, and tucked up under his hams, (the usual sitting position of Asiatics,) having at his back an immense pillow, and under him a suitable bedding, both sumptuously ornamented; besides these, many smaller pillows lie scattered about, to be applied as may be found agreeable. The frame of the naulkeen may be about five feet long by four broad, well secured at the corners, and taped at the bottom in a very close manner, both lengthwise and breadthwise, so as to leave no interstices. The sides are raised with richly carved wood-work, generally gilded in a very shewy style. The naulkeen is carried, like a litter, by eight men, who support two poles, one running under each side-bar, and projecting before and behind; two bearers being at each extremity, the same as in a palanquin."
- 2 Synonym of litter, especially one used by the bride or groom at a wedding. India
"The nalkí is used at marriage ceremonies. It is like a dhulí with a cloth hood. The bamboo on which it is slung is curved at each end like a swan's neck."
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
More examples"... I shall commence with a description of the naulkeen, or naulkee, it being the first in rank among the contrivances of this description. This immense carriage is only used by crowned heads, and may be compared to a portable throne, on which the prince sits with his feet crossed, and tucked up under his hams, (the usual sitting position of Asiatics,) having at his back an immense pillow, and under him a suitable bedding, both sumptuously ornamented; besides these, many smaller pillows lie scattered about, to be applied as may be found agreeable. The frame of the naulkeen may be about five feet long by four broad, well secured at the corners, and taped at the bottom in a very close manner, both lengthwise and breadthwise, so as to leave no interstices. The sides are raised with richly carved wood-work, generally gilded in a very shewy style. The naulkeen is carried, like a litter, by eight men, who support two poles, one running under each side-bar, and projecting before and behind; two bearers being at each extremity, the same as in a palanquin."
Etymology
From Hindi नालकी (nālkī).
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Data sourced from Wiktionary, WordNet, CMU, and other open linguistic databases. Updated March 2026.