शिकन

Meaning

A wrinkle, crease, furrow, or fold (in fabric, hair, or brow).

Detailed Meaning

In Persian and Urdu poetics, 'shikan' refers to a crease, crease line, fold, or wrinkle. In this couplet, it physically describes the crease in the fabric of the veil, which mirrors the angry furrow of the beloved's brow hidden beneath. Figuratively, it conveys subtle displeasure, coquetry, or tension.

Etymology

Persian 'shikan' (شکن), related to the root of 'shikastan' (to break, bend, fold).

Usage

In ghazals, 'shikan' frequently pairs with 'jabeen' (brow) to convey anger or indifference, or with 'zulf' (curls) to evoke romantic entanglement.

Examples

Synonyms

Related Words