noun
panchayat
pan-CHUH-eert
noun
1
A local village council in India (and some neighbouring countries) responsible for local governance.
"The panchayat approved funding for a new well in the village."
How to Use Panchayat
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA local self-governing council found in villages, mainly in India.
Common pairings
village panchayat
panchayat elections
Word Forms
panchayats plural
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The _____ approved funding for a new well in the village.
Etymology
From Hindi panchayat, originally meaning "a council of five," from Sanskrit roots referring to a group of respected village elders who settled disputes.