Zand
/zænd/noun
A traditional commentary or interpretation of the Zoroastrian Avesta, especially in Middle Persian.
Did you know?In Zoroastrian tradition, the term Zand became associated with the Middle Persian explanations of the Avesta, meaning that interpreting sacred words was itself part of preserving religious power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ǵneh₃-
“To know or recognize; the ancient root behind several words for knowledge.”
Proto-Indo-Iranian
PII
*ǰñā-ti-
“Knowledge, understanding, or knowing.”
Avestan
Avestan
zanti-
“Knowledge, interpretation, or explanation.”
Middle Persian
Middle Persian
zand
“Interpretation or commentary, especially explanation of the Avesta.”
19th Century
English
zand
“An English scholarly term for Zoroastrian commentary or interpretation.”