Word Meaning
चैन
chain
Meaning
Picker or gatherer (Persian 'chīn'); also ease, rest, or peace.
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, the word represents the Persian agentive element 'chīn' (written as چین), meaning a gatherer or collector. Paired with 'khazaf' (worthless potsherds or pebbles), it signifies a humble gatherer of shells on the shore, contrasted with divers bringing up pearls of knowledge. In common Hindustani usage, it also independently denotes peace, rest, or mental tranquility.
Etymology
Persian 'chīn' (root of 'chīdan', to pluck/gather); also Hindustani 'chain' (peace/comfort).
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, '-chīn' often acts as a compounding suffix indicating a collector or picker, as in 'gul-chīn' or 'khazaf-chīn'.
Examples
Dil ko tere baghair ik pal chain nahin.
Khazaf-chīn-e-saahil ko gauhar ki kya khabar.