Word Meaning
नौ-ख़ेज़
nau-khez
Meaning
Newly sprouted, fresh, budding, or youthful.
Detailed Meaning
In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, 'nau-khez' describes something freshly grown, budding, or emerging in the dawn of youth. In this couplet, it qualifies 'khat' (the first faint down on a youth's face), symbolizing newly sprouted facial hair that marks the threshold of maturity. It conveys tender freshness that simultaneously alters and adorns the beloved's pristine visage.
Etymology
Persian compound of 'nau' (new, fresh) and 'khez' (present stem of khezīdan, to rise or sprout).
Usage
In the ghazal tradition, it is most commonly paired with 'khat' or 'sabza' to portray the emergence of youthful beard or spring foliage.
Examples
The newly sprouted down upon the youthful cheek.
The fresh green shoots in the morning garden.