khus-khus

[ kuhs-kuhs ]

noun

1. vetiver ( def 2 ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of khus-khus¹

1800–10; < Persian, Hindi khaskhas

Example Sentences

As cups of water were poured over screens of khus-khus grass to cool homes, and millions of Indians drank curd milk mixed with salt, the superstitious villagers of Uttar Pradesh put slices of onion beneath their turbans and hung garlic on their fans in the belief it would ward off sunstroke.

From Time Magazine Archive

Among the other materials may be enumerated the odorous roots of the khus-khus grass, Anatherum muricatum, and the leaves of various species of screw pine, used in India and the East generally.

From Project Gutenberg

Khus-Khus, or Vetiver grass of India.

From Project Gutenberg

Another one was constructed entirely of fine roots, like the khus-khus used for tatties, and plastered over like the former with cobwebs.

From Project Gutenberg

The nest in every instance was similar to that described by Jerdon, viz.:—a loose structure of dead roots, twigs, and grass, the interior being neatly lined with closely-woven roots of 'khus-khus.'

From Project Gutenberg