one end of a palanquin pole; one of two palanquin bearers
Refers to one side of a palanquin carried by two people, or to one of the two bearers. Most commonly encountered in the idiom 片棒を担ぐ (to take part in something, often a scheme).
The expression 片棒を担ぐ originally comes from two people carrying a palanquin together.
He took part in that wrongdoing.
taking part in a crime; participation · partner in crime; accomplice
Compound of 片 (one side) and 棒 (pole), referring to one side of a carrying pole, specifically for a palanquin.