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The phono-semantic compound 旆 uses the "flag" radical 㫃 (yǎn) as its semantic component, evoking a banner on a pole and indicating a connection to ceremonial or military standards. The right-hand component 巿 (fú) serves as the phonetic marker for the character's pronunciation. Historically, 旆 specifically denoted the swallow-tailed pennons attached to the ends of traditional flags, used in military formations, signaling, or royal processions. Beyond this primary meaning, it often functions as a synecdoche in classical texts, representing the entire flag, the troops carrying it, or an expeditionary journey.
Etymology Hide
