Etymology Map
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Dak

3 stages from Sanskrit to English.

Today it means Historically, a relay system of mail or passenger transport in South Asia using bearers or horses stationed along a route.

Where does the word "dak" come from? It comes from Sanskrit drak, passing through Hindi before entering English (1820s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
drak
Sanskrit · ancient
"quickly"
meant 'quickly'
2
Stage 2 of 3
dak
Hindi · medieval
"the postal relay system"
named the relay mail and transport system
3
Stage 3 of 3
dak
English · 1820s
"a mail or passenger relay system using stationed bearers or horses"
British colonial administrators adopted the word for India's relay postal service
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