Word Meaning
पसीना
pasīnā
Meaning
Sweat or perspiration; symbolic of intense effort, exertion, or distress.
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning perspiration, it frequently symbolizes the arduous exertion, distress, or shame of the lover in classical poetry. In this couplet by Ghalib, it represents the strenuous exertion of the steed of courage ('tausān-e-himmat'). The profuse sweat from this struggle becomes so copious that it metaphorically turns into a torrential flood under the saddle.
Etymology
Sanskrit 'प्रस्वेद' (prasveda) through Prakrit 'पसिण' (pasiṇa) into Hindustani.
Usage
In Urdu poetry, pasīnā often denotes either the intense exhaustion of a desperate endeavor or the physical manifestation of modesty and shame.
Examples
Sweat dripping from the brow of shame.
The steed of determination bathed in sweat.