About
偻 (traditional 僂) is a phono-semantic compound: the human radical 亻 on the left places it among human physical conditions, while the right-hand component 娄 supplies the pronunciation. Its primary meaning is a hunched or stooped back, typically from old age or illness. This concrete image later extended metaphorically to obsequious, fawning behavior, as if one were bowing and scraping to please someone in authority.
Etymology Hide
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.