Word Meaning
उस्तुख़्वाँ-शिकनी
ustukhwāñ-shikanī
Meaning
The breaking of bones; enduring extreme bodily torment, exhaustion, or harsh suffering.
Detailed Meaning
Literally denoting the crushing or breaking of bones, this Persian compound metaphorically signifies grueling physical labor, self-mortification, or agonizing torment endured for the sake of another. In the cited couplet, the poet laments that despite bearing such bone-shattering hardships in devotion, the lover was ungratefully made into a target for the beloved's arrows.
Etymology
Persian compound from 'ustukhwān' (bone) + 'shikanī' (breaking, from 'shikastan').
Usage
In classical ghazal, it is used as a vivid hyperbole for arduous self-sacrifice and bodily suffering borne in pursuit of love.
Examples
The reward received for such bone-breaking toil
Enduring severe bodily torment upon the path of longing