苔こけむす

godan verb (-su), intransitive verb

become mossy; get covered in moss

Describes surfaces, especially stone or old structures, gradually becoming covered with moss over time.

• 古ふるい石いし段だんはすっかり苔こけむしていた。

  The old stone steps were completely covered in moss.

• 庭にわの灯とう籠ろうが苔こけむして趣おもむきがある。

  The garden lantern has become mossy and has a charming atmosphere.

godan verb (-su), intransitive verb

become aged; grow old

Figurative extension of the moss metaphor, implying something or someone has aged or become antiquated. Rare and literary.

• 彼かれも苔こけむす年とし頃ごろになった。

  He has reached an age where he can be called mossy (i.e., old).