Word Meaning
धर
dhar
Meaning
To place, put down, pledge, or pawn (as security for wine).
Detailed Meaning
In this couplet, 'धर' functions as the stem of the verb 'धरना' (dhar-ānā), signifying the act of placing or pledging something as a pawn. The preacher (wā'iz) is warned that if he tasted even a single drop of wine, he would eagerly pawn his turban (mindīl) at the tavern to drink more. It captures the customary trope of a pious hypocrite abandoning his dignity once introduced to mystical or earthly intoxication.
Etymology
Sanskrit धृ (dhṛ, to hold/bear) > Prakrit धरइ (dharaï) > Hindi/Urdu धरना (dharnā).
Usage
In classical ghazal, compound constructions like 'धर आना' often evoke the desperate or ecstatic drinker pledging their robe or turban as security at the tavern.
Examples
To pawn one's turban for a single goblet of wine
Where the destitute lover placed his heart on the line