こぶし

Etymology 1
Probably from. First cited to a text from 810.

Japanese dictionaries do not list any further derivation. A surface analysis suggests that this term might be a compound. If so, possibly from +.

Noun

 * 1)  fist
 * 2)  the shape of the hand when gripping a sword hilt
 * 3)   swordsmanship, ability with a sword
 * 4)  the shape of the hand when gripping a bow
 * 5)   bowmanship, ability with a bow
 * 6)   huntsmanship, hunting ability
 * 1)   huntsmanship, hunting ability
 * 1)   huntsmanship, hunting ability

Etymology 2


Originally a shortening of the older name,, where the kobushi was in reference to the resemblance of an unopened bud to a child's fist, and the hajikami was probably in reference to the pungency of the seeds when bitten, or to the pungent odor of the plant when injured.

First referenced in a text from roughly 1165.

Noun

 * 1)  the ,

Etymology 3
Compound of.

First cited to a text from 1633.

Noun

 * 1)  a small knot in wood; lumber or timber with small knots
 * 2)  a small piece of
 * 3)   a portion of the melody in traditional Japanese singing (as well as kayōkyoku, enka) that uses melisma