Word Meaning
नफ़स-परवर
nafas-parvar
Meaning
holding one's breath in awe; sustaining or nourishing the breath.
Detailed Meaning
A Persian compound formed from 'nafas' (breath/life) and the root 'parvar' (nourishing/sustaining). In Ghalib's verse, it conveys the state of being breathless or holding one's breath in sheer wonder, picturing wine drops as bubbles formed by trapped breath that resemble pearls along the cup's rim. More broadly, it can denote nurturing the breath or pampering the self.
Etymology
Persian compound composed of Arabic 'nafas' (breath, soul) and Persian 'parvar' (from the verb parvardan, to nurture or foster).
Usage
Used in high-register ghazals to depict deep contemplation or dramatic arrest of breath caused by astonishment.
Examples
holding breath in wonder at the sight
a drop breathless with quiet astonishment