Definition of punkah:
°a large
fan type, common on the Indian subcontinent, especially made from a
leaf or from
cloth, typically hung from the ceiling, designed to cool a room, often operated manually by a
boy (servant).
"1973: Perhaps it was a mistake to invite Mr Stanhope; the day was intolerably hot and humid; all he wanted to do was to lie on his bed with a punkah sighing over him, at least moving the unbreathable air. -- Patrick O'Brian, HMS Surprise"
Definition of punkah:
°a large
fan type, common on the Indian subcontinent, especially made from a
leaf or from
cloth, typically hung from the ceiling, designed to cool a room, often operated manually by a
boy (servant).
"1973: Perhaps it was a mistake to invite Mr Stanhope; the day was intolerably hot and humid; all he wanted to do was to lie on his bed with a punkah sighing over him, at least moving the unbreathable air. -- Patrick O'Brian, HMS Surprise"