← Back to Taj al-Arus

ع ن ف س

Root entry · 1 derived lemma

This root appears to describe negative personal characteristics, specifically focusing on lowliness, meanness, and shortness in stature. It is primarily used to denote a contemptible or ignoble individual.

Derived headwords

العنفسnoun
  1. 1.
    mean, short personclassical

    A person who is ignoble, base, and short in stature. It carries a strong connotation of contempt.

Parallel reading

العنفس، كزبرج، أهمله الجوهري، وقال كراع: هو اللئيم القصير
Al-'unfus, like zubruj, was neglected by Al-Jawhari, and Kara' said: it is the mean, short person.
وأورده الصاغاني في التكملة ولم يعزه
And Al-Saghani mentioned it in Al-Takmila without attributing it.
وإنما عزاه الأزهري، وفي العباب: عن ابن عباد
Rather, Al-Azhari attributed it, and in Al-Abab: from Ibn 'Abbad.