Kesari
/ˈkeɪ.sə.ri/noun
A term of Sanskrit origin meaning lion-like or saffron-colored, and a name or title used in South Asian languages and English contexts.
Did you know?In Sanskrit, kesarin was an epithet of Hanuman, whose legendary strength and lion-like imagery made the word a powerful heroic title.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Sanskrit
Sanskrit
keśara
“Hair, mane, or the filament of a flower; the term is associated with the visible radiating strands of a mane or blossom.”
Classical Sanskrit
Sanskrit
keśarin
“Mane-bearing; a lion or an animal possessing a mane, also used as a heroic epithet.”
Medieval Indo-Aryan
Prakrits
kesari
“Lion-like, leonine, or saffron-colored.”
Medieval Hindi and related languages
Hindi
kesarī
“Saffron-colored or orange; also a lion and a title expressing heroic power.”
Modern English
English
Kesari
“A South Asian personal name, title, or loanword referring to lion-like strength or saffron coloring.”