accusative singular neuter noun
Analysis. Compound: pāla- (guard, keep) + anka (limb, bend). Literally 'limb-bending' or 'guarded-bend', the posture in which one's limbs are controlled and held steady for meditation.
Etymology. Of uncertain origin; possibly connected with pāla- (to guard, keep watch) and anka (corner, bend, limb). Not confidently related to Indo-European cognates.
Meanings from the Digital Pāḷi Dictionary; morphology and etymology by Claude.
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