वजब

Meaning

A span; the length from thumb to little finger.

Detailed Meaning

In classical measurement, 'wajab' refers to a span or the span of an outstretched hand (approximately nine inches). In the cited satirical verse, the poet mocks the Sheikh's vanity, equating the trailing end of his turban (shamla) to an ass's tail measuring merely a span. It captures an exact traditional unit of length applied with biting humor.

Etymology

Arabic وجب (wajab), a traditional measure of length equivalent to a span or balisht.

Usage

In classical Urdu poetry, it is primarily used as a unit of modest physical length or in satirical verses to diminish someone's self-importance.

Examples

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Related Words