Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Punka
Pun′ka (pŭn̲′kȧ), n. [Hind. pankhā fan.] A machine for fanning a room, usually a movable fanlike frame covered with canvas, and suspended from the ceiling. It is kept in motion by pulling a cord. [Hindostan] [Written also punkah.] Malcom.