波羅

From the language of the ancient state of Nanzhao, likely derived ultimately from Proto-Sino-Tibetan *k-la (“tiger”). Compare Southern Bai lod (“tiger”), jinl bol lod (“male tiger”), Nuosu ꆿ (lat, “tiger”).

波羅

1. (obsolete, chiefly Nanzhao) tiger

   • 法駕避星回，波羅毘勇猜。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
     法驾避星回，波罗毗勇猜。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]

     From: Tang dynasty, 趙叔達, 星回節避風臺驃信命賦

     Fǎjià bì xīnghuí, bōluó píyǒng cāi. [Pinyin]

     The king's chariot took shelter [from the wind] when the star returned [a festival in Nanzhao at the end of the year], the tiger and the wild horse in mind.

   • 俗無絲綿布帛，披波羅皮。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
     俗无丝绵布帛，披波罗皮。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]

     From: Tang Dynasty, Fan Chuo, Manshu, chapter 4

     Sú wú sīmián bùbó, pī bōluó pí. [Pinyin]

     It was their custom not to use silk or cloth textiles; they draped tiger skins over themselves.

波羅

1. (literary) short for 波羅蜜／波罗蜜 (bōluómì, “paramita”)

   • 世事由來不可論，波羅忍辱是玄門。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
     世事由来不可论，波罗忍辱是玄门。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]

     From: 李贄 (Li Zhi), 得上院信

     Shìshì yóulái bùkě lùn, bōluó rěnrǔ shì xuánmén. [Pinyin]

     The origin of worldly affairs cannot be discussed; paramita and patience is the profound realm.

2. alternative form of 菠蘿 / 菠萝 (bōluó, “pineapple”)
3. (dialectal Mandarin) wooden fish (Buddhist wooden percussion instrument)

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

波羅

1. (archaic) melancholy