Word Meaning
बे-जिगर
be-jigar
Meaning
Cowardly, lacking courage, spiritless, or devoid of fortitude.
Detailed Meaning
Literally meaning 'without a liver'—the liver being viewed in classical tradition as the seat of courage and endurance—the compound signifies someone faint-hearted or spiritless. In the referenced couplet, patience ('sabr') is personified as a cowardly rival ('hareef-e-be-jigar') whose lack of daring surrendered a contest of love that could have been won with a single bold move. It underscores the poetic tension between passive endurance and active passion.
Etymology
Persian compound composed of the negative prefix 'be-' (without) and 'jigar' (liver, seat of courage).
Usage
In classical Urdu ghazal, it is employed as a reproach against timidity in love or to characterize passive restraint as cowardice.
Examples
A spiritless rival cannot withstand the trials of true love.
Do not expect brave defiance from a faint-hearted heart.