शीरी

Meaning

Lion-like courage, valor, or lionhearted majesty.

Detailed Meaning

The term refers to the quality or state of being lion-like, denoting supreme courage, valor, and royal boldness. In this couplet by Iqbal, it is paired with 'shahanshahi' (emperorship) and directly contrasted with 'rubahi' (fox-like cunning and timidity) to lament the decline of spiritual and martial vigor. It signifies an ethos of fearlessness and mastery once taught in traditional institutions.

Etymology

Persian: derived from 'sher' (lion) with the abstract noun suffix '-ī', signifying lion-heartedness.

Usage

In classical and modern Urdu poetry, particularly in Iqbal's works, it is famously contrasted with 'rūbāhī' to juxtapose dignified courage against timid submissiveness.

Examples

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Related Words