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pil·lion

(pilyən)

1. A pad or cushion for an extra rider behind the saddle on a horse or motorcycle.

2. A bicycle or motorcycle saddle.

[Probably fromScottish Gaelicpillean, diminutive ofpeall, rug, orIrish Gaelicpillín, diminutive ofpell, rug, both fromOld Irishpell, fromLatinpellis, animal skin; see pel-³ in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

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pillion

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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