aṅkolikā

 The Sanskrit word "aṅkolikā" (अङ्कोलिका) 

means "an embrace" or "embracing," likely 

derived as a contraction of the word aṅkapālikā.

Definition and Etymology

"Aṅkolikā" is a feminine noun in Sanskrit, denoted by the -kā 

ending 

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. Its primary meaning is "an embrace" 

or the act of embracing". Lexicographers such as Amarasiṃha, 

Halāyudha, and Hemacandra treat it as a synonym or variant 

of aṅkapālikā, indicating that the word might have evolved through 

phonetic contraction: the 'pa' in aṅkapālikā is softened, and the inhering 

vowel is dropped to form aṅkolikā 

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.

Usage Context

• The word is generally found in classical Sanskrit dictionaries 
• and literature to describe a gesture of hugging or an act of embracing.
• It may appear in poetic, ritual, or narrative contexts, denoting either
• a physical or metaphorical embrace in texts.
• While the core meaning is simple, some sources note that aṅkolikā 
• is a specialized or corrupted form of aṅkapālikā, showing the fluidity 
• of word forms in historical Sanskrit usage 

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Summary

"Aṅkolikā" = embrace / embracing (feminine noun), derived from

aṅkapālikā. It is used in classical Sanskrit to convey the physical 

act or figurative sense of hugging. The consistency of this definition 

across multiple Sanskrit lexicons affirms its authenticity and historical 

usage 

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