Bahuvrihi

A bahuvrīhi (), or bahuvrīhi compound, is a type of compound word that denotes a referent by specifying a certain characteristic or quality the referent possesses. A bahuvrihi is exocentric, so that the compound is not a hyponym of its head. For instance, a sabretooth (smil-odon) is neither a sabre nor a tooth, but a feline with sabre-like teeth.

In Sanskrit bahuvrihis, the last part is a noun—more strictly, a nominal stem—while the whole compound is an adjective. In Vedic Sanskrit the accent is regularly on the first member ( "a king's son", but bahuvrihi "having kings as sons" (lit. king-sons), viz. , m., "father of kings", , f., "mother of kings"), with the exception of a number of non-nominal prefixes such as the privative a; the word is itself likewise an exception to this rule.

Bahuvrihi compounds are called possessive compounds in English. In English, bahuvrihis can be identified and the last constituent is usually a noun, while the whole compound is a noun or an adjective. The accent is on the first constituent. English bahuvrihis often describe people using synecdoche: flatfoot, half-wit, highbrow, lowlife, redhead, tenderfoot, long-legs, and white-collar.

In dictionaries and other reference works, the abbreviation "Bhvr." is sometimes used to indicate bahuvrihi compounds.Handbuch der Sanskritsprache, Volumes 1-2

Etymology Bahuvrihi is from , originally referring to fertile land but later denoting the quality of being wealthy or rich.

Examples English "Houndstooth", a woven fabric with a patterns resembling dog's teeth: "She's wearing houndstooth." "Old money", members from established upper-class who have usually inherited their wealth: "He's definitely old money." "Bluestocking", an educated, intellectual, or artistically accomplished woman: "Auntie Maud will never marry; she's a bluestocking." White-collar and blue-collar labor, referring to common colors of uniforms of clerks and workmen respectively early 20th century. "Redhead" refers to a ginger haired person.

Other languages and (meaning shining-mane and rime-mane; two horses in Norse mythology) are two examples of Old Norse bahuvrihis.

Bahuvrihi

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