About
The character "敕" originates from an early semantic composition conveying the idea of binding or constraining through authoritative command, with its traditional form integrating components suggesting both action and a sense of urgency or correction. Its core meaning has long been associated with imperial or high authority, specifically denoting the act of issuing an edict, a command, or an order from a sovereign. Over centuries, while retaining this primary sense of a formal injunction, its application became more specialized within administrative and legal contexts, such as in the term "敕令" for an imperial decree or "敕書" for an official document of appointment. The character also developed a related but distinct usage in the concept of a pardon or amnesty granted by this same authority, as seen in "敕免", illustrating a semantic extension from the act of commanding to the act of mercifully countermanding a prior judgment.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
他收到了皇帝的敕令。
敕令必须立即执行。
这座寺庙是敕建的。
皇帝敕封他为大将军。
根据敕旨，全国举行庆典。
敕书已送达各位官员手中。
违背敕令将会受到严惩。
历代皇帝都曾颁发过敕谕。