Word Meaning
बे-आबी
be-ābī
Meaning
Lack of luster, sharpness, or water; loss of honor or brilliance.
Detailed Meaning
Literally signifying the absence of water, in the context of weaponry it refers to the lack of temper, sheen, or sharpness on a blade. In Mir's couplet, it describes the beloved's sword lacking keenness or water, illustrating that the lover was severed ruthlessly without even the mercy of a sharp edge. Metaphorically, it can also imply a loss of dignity, grace, or vitality.
Etymology
Persian: compound of 'be-' (without) + 'āb' (water, luster, temper of steel) + noun suffix '-ī'.
Usage
In classical ghazal, poets exploit 'be-ābī' by playing on the multiple meanings of 'āb' as blade temper, water, and personal honor.
Examples
The dullness of the blade could not spare the victim's life.
The rose garden grieved the sudden lack of luster in the spring.