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The character 匐 is formed by the enclosing radical 勹 surrounding the component 畐 (fú), which primarily indicates its pronunciation. Its core meaning is the physical action of crawling or moving with the body close to the ground. It most commonly appears in the compound word "匍匐" (púfú), describing a continuous, dragging motion, such as a soldier advancing, certain animals moving, or creeping plants spreading along the ground.
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