pachisi

English

Alternative forms

• parchesi

Etymology

From Hindi पचीसी (pacīsī, “twenty-five”), referring to the largest score that can be thrown with the cowrie shells. First attested in the 19th century.

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 (a trademark, spelled with capital P) is a modern American adaptation.