[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Vedic Index of Names and Subjects](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912) › v2.c4.s7.59 # Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s7.59 Vedic Index of Names and Subjects v2.c4.s7.59 - **Language:** English ### [v2.c4.s7.59](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7.59) 1. Vadhū is a frequent word for ‘woman’ in the Rigveda¹ and later.² It denotes, according to Delbrück,³ the woman as either married or as seeking a husband, or as a bride in the wedding ceremony. The word appears to be derived from a form of the root vah, ‘to carry,’ as is vahatu, ‘the bridal procession,’ thus meaning ‘she who is to be or has been conducted home.’ Zimmer,⁴ however, objects to this explanation, regarding vadhū as a derivative from a different root meaning ‘to marry.’ - [Previous: v2.c4.s7.58](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7.58) - [Next: v2.c4.s7.60](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7.60) - [Up: v2.c4.s7](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7.59](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.macdonell-keith-1912.v2.c4.s7.59) · Pramāṇa