accusative singular neuter of makkha
Etymology. Of uncertain origin; possibly related to makkhati (to smear, daub), suggesting the sense of 'covering up' or 'painting over' the truth. Akin to Sanskrit mrakṣ- (to smear). The semantic shift from the concrete 'smearing' to the abstract 'deception' parallels the meaning evolution seen in cognate concealment words across Indo-European languages.
Meanings from the Digital Pāḷi Dictionary; morphology and etymology by Claude.
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