Word Meaning
पुम्बा-दहाँ
pumba-dahāñ
Meaning
Having cotton stuffed in the mouth; silenced, mute, or plugged like a flask.
Detailed Meaning
'Pumba-dahan' literally describes someone who has cotton placed in their mouth, rendering them silent, speechless, or mute. In classical Persian and Urdu poetry, it metaphorically denotes a wine flask plugged with a stopper of cotton to keep the wine sealed and quiet. In this verse, the wine flagon is portrayed as silenced and plugged by the hypocritical Qazi's white beard.
Etymology
Persian compound of 'pumba' (پنبه, cotton) and 'dahan' (دهان, mouth).
Usage
Frequently used in classical ghazals as a sophisticated conceit for enforced silence, discreet lovers, or sealed wine vessels.
Examples
He remained mute and speechless under reproach.
The wine flagon was kept sealed and silent.