pachisi

English

Alternative forms

Etymology

From Hindi पचीसी (pacīsī, “twenty-five”), referring to the largest score that can be thrown with the cowrie shells. [from 19th c.]

Noun

pachisi (uncountable)

  1. An ancient Indian board game in which players, throwing dice, shells, etc. to determine the distance of each move, attempt to be the first to take all of their counters around the board.

Usage notes
  • Parcheesi is a modern American adaptation; that word is trademarked.
This article is issued from Wiktionary. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.