Doolee

/duːˈliː/ noun

Definition

A variant spelling of doolie or dooli; a lightweight stretcher or platform used in India for carrying people or goods.

Etymology

An alternative English spelling of the Hindi-derived word 'ḍholī,' used by British writers to transcribe this South Asian transport device.

Kelly Says

Colonial English texts show writers struggling with how to spell unfamiliar Indian words—you'll find 'doolee,' 'dooley,' 'dooly,' 'dhooly,' all referring to the same thing, which is why historical documents look inconsistent by modern standards.

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