Word Meaning
पीर-ज़न
peer-zan
Meaning
An old woman or crone; deceitful messenger in Farhad's legend.
Detailed Meaning
In Persian and Urdu poetry, 'peer-zan' literally denotes an elderly woman or hag. In the context of the romance of Shirin and Farhad (Kohkan), it refers specifically to the deceitful old woman sent by King Khusraw to falsely report Shirin's death, driving Farhad to suicide with his own adze. The speaker curses her arrival and laments why her legs did not break before she delivered the fatal falsehood.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from 'pīr' (old, aged) and 'zan' (woman).
Usage
In classical ghazal, peer-zan frequently symbolizes treachery, malice, or the cruel world (falak/dunya) that sunders true lovers.
Examples
The deceitful words of the peer-zan broke the lover's heart.
Curses upon the peer-zan who brought the false tidings.