Zend

Definition of zend:

part of speech: noun

An ancient Iranian language, in which are composed the sacred writings of the Zoroastrians. It is a member of the Aryan family of languages, and very closely allied to Sanskrit, esp. the Sanskrit of the Vedas, by means of which, and by the help of comparative philology, it has been deciphered. Called also AVESTAN. A contracted name for the ZEND- AVESTA or sacred writings of Zoroaster.

Usage examples for zend:

• These two works are in Persian, mixed with Zend and purely on ceremonials. "Les Parsis", D. Menant.

• Two competitors for the Crown appeared in the South, in the persons of Fateh Ali Shah's own father, and a son of Zaki Khan Zend but both, as well as the Shekaki chief who advanced similar claims in the North, and Nadir Mirza, grandson of the great Nadir Shah, who had entered Khorasan from Afghanistan, and raised the standard of revolt, were soon defeated and driven into submission. "Persia Revisited", Thomas Edward Gordon.

• In order to remedy it, the Dastoor of Kirman formed some disciples, Darab at Surat, Djamasp at Naosari, and a third at Bharooch, to whom he taught Zend and Pehlvi. "Les Parsis", D. Menant.

• I doubt, however, whether this was the original meaning of the word Zend "Lectures on The Science of Language", Max Müller.