The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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.]
   [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

palanquin
    n 1: a closed litter carried on the shoulders of four bearers
         [syn: palanquin, palankeen]