Word Meaning
हौज़
hauz
Meaning
A pool, cistern, water basin, or reservoir.
Detailed Meaning
Refers to a cistern, water reservoir, or pool, commonly constructed in the courtyard of a mosque for ritual ablutions (wuzu). In this satirical couplet, it serves as the physical pool where the corpulent preacher lounges like a crocodile to soothe his jealousy or heat. The poet humorously contrasts the sacred setting of the mosque basin with the preacher's indolent and beast-like behavior.
Etymology
Arabic حَوْض (ḥawḍ), denoting a cistern, reservoir, or drinking trough.
Usage
In classical Urdu poetry, it frequently appears in satirical depictions of the preacher at the mosque or spiritually in reference to Hauz-e-Kausar in paradise.
Examples
sitting in contemplation beside the tranquil pool
the water of the mosque basin rippled gently