Definition

Noun: 1. An ancient board game resembling backgammon; played on a cross-shaped board: Parchisi is a traditional strategy board game for two to four players, originating in India. Players move pieces around a cross-shaped track based on the roll of dice, with the objective of moving all pieces to the home area.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The family spent the evening playing a competitive game of parchisi.
  • Parchisi is considered a direct ancestor of the modern game Ludo.
  • The intricate design on the antique parchisi board was beautiful.

Advanced Usage

• Historical/Cultural Context: The term is often used when discussing the history of board games, noting its Indian origins and influence on Western games like "Parcheesi" and "Ludo."
  • The museum's exhibit on ancient games featured a detailed section on parchisi.

Variants and Related Words

• Parcheesi (n): A trademarked Western adaptation of parchisi, very similar in rules and board design.
• Ludo (n): A simplified version of the game, particularly popular in the UK and Commonwealth countries.
• Chaupar (n): Another ancient Indian game very similar to, and sometimes synonymous with, parchisi.

Synonyms

• Board game: (general category)
• Table game: (general category)
• Cross and circle game: (descriptive term for the board shape and gameplay style)

Related Idioms or Phrases

(This specific game name is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions. Idioms would typically use the more generic term "game.")

Noun

1. an ancient board game resembling backgammon; played on a cross-shaped board