: a class of compound words whose meanings follow the formula “(one) having a B that is A” where A stands for the first constituent of the compound and B for the second also: a compound word belonging to this class (such as graybeard, blockhead, or barefoot) — see possessiveentry 1 sense 1b
First Known Use of bahuvrihi
1846, in the meaning defined above
History and Etymology for bahuvrihi
Sanskrit bahuvrīhi, literally, having much rice (a compound of this type), from bahu much + vrīhi rice