خهفع

Root entry · 3 derived lemmas

This root appears to be related to a rare and possibly mythical creature, described as a hybrid beast. The entry discusses its name and characteristics, with linguistic commentary on its unusual formation.

Derived headwords

الخيهفعىname

1.
A mythical creatureclassical
A creature described as a hybrid between a leopard and a hyena, said to inhabit Yemen. It is characterized by large ears, sunken eyes, prominent eyebrows, strong fangs, and large paws, and is known to prey on camels.

أبو الخيهفعىname

1.
A kunya (patronymic nickname)classical
The kunya of an Arab man from the Banu Tamim tribe, whose name was Jinsab bin Al-Aqra'. The kunya is derived from the name of the mythical creature 'Al-Khayhaf'i'.

الخيهفعىother

1.
Offspring of a dog and a wolfclassical
A term used to describe the offspring resulting from the mating of a male dog with a female wolf. This usage is presented as a contrast to another term.

Parallel reading

سمعت أعرابيا من بني تميم يكنى أبا الخيهفعى

I heard an Arab man from Banu Tamim whose kunya was Abu Al-Khayhaf'i.

وسألته عن تفسير كنيته

And I asked him about the interpretation of his kunya.

يقال إذا وقع الذئب على الكلبة جاءت بالسمع

It is said that if a wolf mates with a female dog, the offspring is called 'Al-Sam'.

وإذا وقع الكلب على الذئبة جاءت بالخيهفعى

And if a dog mates with a female wolf, the offspring is called 'Al-Khayhaf'i'.

وهذه حروف لا أعرفها ولم أجد لها أصلا في كتب الثقات الذين أخذوا عن العرب العاربة ما أودعوا كتبهم

And these are letters that I do not know and have not found their origin in the books of trustworthy scholars who took from the pure Arabs what they documented in their books.

ولكني ذكرتها استندارا لها وتعجبا منها

But I mentioned them for their rarity and out of wonder at them.

ولا أدري ما صحتها

And I do not know their authenticity.

قال ابن خالويه أبو الخيهفعى كنية رجل أعرابي يقال له جنزاب بن الأقرع

Ibn Khilawayh said: Abu Al-Khayhaf'i is the kunya of an Arab man named Jinsab bin Al-Aqra'.

فقيل له: لم تكنيت بهذا؟

And it was said to him: Why did you take this kunya?

فقال: الخيهفعى دابة يخرج بين النمر والضبع

He replied: Al-Khayhaf'i is a creature that emerges between a leopard and a hyena.

يكون باليمن أغضف الأذنين غائر العينين مشرف الحاجبين أعصل الأنياب ضخم البراثن يفترس الأباعر

It is found in Yemen, with large ears, sunken eyes, prominent eyebrows, strong fangs, large paws, and it preys on camels.

وأهمله الجوهري

And Al-Jawhari neglected it.