Word Meaning
पुश्त-ख़ार
pusht-khaar
Meaning
A back-scratcher; an instrument used to scratch an unreachable itch on the back.
Detailed Meaning
Composed of 'pusht' (back) and 'khar' (scratcher), the word designates a handheld claw or comb-shaped rod used to scratch one's back. In this couplet, Ghalib envisions his ascetic frenzy in the wilderness to be so profound that wild antelopes bow before him, their thick eyelashes serving as a gentle back-scratcher for the destitute lover.
Etymology
Persian compound formed from 'pusht' (back) and 'khār' (stem of khārīdan, to scratch).
Usage
A rare domestic object introduced ingeniously into classical ghazal imagery to produce an extravagant, surreal conceit of ascetic wandering.
Examples
A deer's eyelash-paw serves as our back-scratcher.
No one offered a hand, not even a back-scratcher was found.