رَأْفٌ

1.
(M, O, K) and رَايءِفٌ and رَيءِفٌ (K) and رَوءُوفٌ [which is the most common of all] and رَوءُفٌ (T, S, M, O, K) are epithets from the verbs above: (T, S, M, K:) [the first from رَوءُفَ, like ضَخْمٌ from ضَخُمٌ; the second from رَأَفَ; and the third from رَيءِفَ; signifying Exercising, or having, the affection termed رَأْفَة, i. e. pity, or compassion; &c.; pitying, or compassionating; &c.; or pitiful, or compassionate; &c.: the fourth and fifth having an intensive signification; very pitiful or compassionate, &c.: or] the first and fourth and fifth all signify the same, i. q. رَحيمٌ: (K:) [and أَرْأَفِىٌّ has a similar (most probably an intensive) signification; as appears from what here follows:] in the saying [of a poet],
وَ كَانَ ذُو العَرْشِ بِنَا أَرَافِى
[apparently meaning And the Lord of the empyrean was, or is, to us, very merciful], by the last word is meant أَرْأَفِيًّا, [أَرْأَفِىٌّ being] like أَحْمَرِىٌّ [and أَرْيَحِىٌّ, q. v.]. (M.)
2.
رَأْفٌ also signifies Wine; (O, K;) and رَافٌ is a dialect var. thereof. (TA in article روف.)

Perseus ID: n14295