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”), Sichuan Yi 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: 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