Word Meaning
ख़स्म
khasm
hinoun
Meaning
Adversary, enemy, opponent, or legal claimant/litigant.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Arabic and Urdu, 'khasm' denotes an adversary, disputant, or claimant in a lawsuit. In Ghalib's couplet, it appears in the compound construction 'khasm-e-khoon-baha', referring to the claimant demanding blood-money for the victim slain by neglect. The term underscores the poet's frequent recourse to legal and courtroom imagery.
Etymology
Arabic خصم (kh-s-m: to dispute, contend, quarrel).
Usage
In classical poetry, 'khasm' primarily designates an enemy or a litigant claiming rights or revenge, distinct from its later colloquial meaning of 'husband'.
Examples
To face a formidable adversary in the court of passion
A relentless claimant pursuing the price of blood
Synonyms
दुश्मनहरीफ़अदूमुख़ालिफ़
Related Words
ख़सूमतमुद्दईख़ूँ-बहाबाज़-ख़्वाह