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plural punkahs
(South Asia, Myanmar) A fan, particularly a large fan made of leaf or cloth and hung from the ceiling, (historical) formerly often operated by a servant. quotations examples
A punkah is, by some, used instead of a chattah, (or umbrella); but it is very inferior as a defence against either sun, wind, or rain.
1810, Thomas Williamson, East India Vade-Mecum..., p. 313
Outside the court the sun blazed—within was the wind of great punkahs that made you shiver …
1900, Joseph Conrad, chapter 4, in Lord Jim
In the refreshment room a few would-be passengers were cooled by the punkah, worked by a string tied to the big toe of a sleepy Burmese boy.
1943 November and December, G. T. Porter, “The Lines Behind the Lines in Burma”, in Railway Magazine, page 325
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.
1973, Patrick O'Brian, HMS Surprise