衲
mend; patch; Buddhist monk's robe or self-reference
Meanings
2 senses · 7 examplesverb
to patch; to mend; to darn
literaryRefers specifically to the act of sewing patches onto fabric, especially in a frugal or traditional context. Often used in literary or historical descriptions.
This patched robe is made by sewing together many scraps of cloth.
This book is a composite edition, compiled from various source editions.
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She carefully darned the hole in the old pants.
noun
Buddhist monk's robe; humble self-reference used by monks
literaryRefers to the patched, simple robe worn by Buddhist monks, especially in historical or traditional contexts. Also used by monks as a humble way to refer to themselves (e.g., '老衲').
This old monk wanders freely, seeking neither fame nor fortune.
He has been wearing this monk's robe for twenty years.
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This poor monk is willing to pray for the donor's blessings.
After becoming a monk, he changed into a simple patched robe.