History of Dharmashastra (Ancient and Mediaeval Religious and Civil Law in India) v7.c95.294

v7.c95.294

²⁵⁶² *Dhanus* becomes 'dhanvan' when it is at the end of a bahuvrīhi compound, according to Pāṇini V. 4. 132. (धनुषश्च) What is the meaning of अतिधन्वन् as a बहुव्रीहि? It may mean 'who has gone beyond the bow (i. e. who is far above those who wield the bow) धन्वन् itself means a bow (as in Rg VI. 75. 2 and 3) and 'arid desert' in the Rgveda (X 4 1. धन्वाक्षव प्रपा असि) Then अतिधन्वन् may mean one who had crossed an arid desert and would have nothing to do with one wielding a bow.