رفق

رِفْقٌ ذ an inf. n. of رَفَقَ; (O, K;) Gentleness, softness, tenderness, graciousness, courteousness, or civility; contr. of عُنْفٌ; (S, O, Mgh, Msb;) i. q. لُطْفٌ, and حُسْنُ صَنِيعٍ, (IDrd, O, K,) or لِينُ جَانِبٍ and لَطَافَةُ فِعْلٍ; and so ↓ رَفَقٌ; (JK;) and ↓ رَافِقَةٌ likewise; whence the phrase أَوْلَى فُلَانًا رَافِقَةً [ He treated such a one with gentleness, &c.]. (JK, IDrd, O.) It is also explained as meaning Good submission to that which conduces to what is comely, or pleasing. (TA.) ― -b2- And Gentleness, delicacy, nicety, neatness, or skilfulness, in work or operation; contr. of خُرْقٌ. (Mgh.) ― -b3- Also A thing by means of which one seeks help or assistance. (K.) See also مِرْفَقٌ.