Wiktionary

meeana

English

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A meeana on a 2017 Indian stamp

Etymology

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From Hindi मियाना (miyānā).

Alternative forms

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Noun

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meeana (plural meeanas)

  1. (India, chiefly historical) A palanquin with open sides.
    • 1838, Robert Montgomery Martin, The History, Antiquities, Topography, and Statistics of Eastern India..., Vol. II: Bhagulpoor, Goruckpoor, and Dinajepoor, p. 426:
      The lowest kind of palanquins, which are small litters suspended under a straight bamboo, by which they are carried, and shaded by a frame covered with cloth, do not admit the passenger to lie at length, and are here called Miyana, or Mahapa. In some places, these terms are considered as synonymous, in others, the Mayana is open at the sides, and is intended for carrying men, while the Mahapa, intended for women, is surrounded by curtains.
  2. (India, inexact) Synonym of palanquin, an Indian litter of whatever form.
    • 1832, G. A. Herklotts translating Jaffur Shurreef as Qauoon-e-Islam, or, The Customs of the Moosulmans of India...:
      After that, in the same style as the bridegroom came the preceding night to the bride's house, he now proceeds home on horseback, and she along with him in a meeana (a palankeen) with doors shut, attended by music, dancing-girls, and accompanied by all the relatives, &c. On reaching his house, the attendants, musicians, &c. are dismissed with betel.
    • 1933 December, Evan Cotton, "A Famous Calcutta Firm (The Story of Steuart & Co.)", Bengal Past and Present, Vol. XLVI, Pt. II, No. 92, p. 70:
      Stewart has lately made two for the King of Tanjore's sons, which, it is said, will cost near 10,000 Rs. each. They are Mahanas (6) with venetians, etc., etc. Bedding and Pillows of velvet as the Lining.
      (6) Mahanah, Meeana, Myana—a long palanquin in which the occupant lay at full length with a support for the head and shoulders.

Hypernyms

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References

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