霜しもを置おいた

expression, noun-modifying (irregular)

gray; grey; frosted; hoary; frosty

Literary set phrase meaning 'as if frost has settled', used prenominally to describe hair that is gray or white with age, or a frosty appearance. Not used in everyday conversation.

• 霜しもを置おいたような白はく髪はつの老ろう人じんが静しずかに座すわっていた。

  An old man with hair as white as frost sat quietly.

• 彼かれの霜しもを置おいた頭あたまを見みると、長なが年ねんの苦く労ろうがしのばれる。

  Seeing his frosty hair, one can imagine his years of hardship.