About
棹 is a phono-semantic compound combining the semantic radical 木 (wood) and the phonetic component 卓 (meaning 'tall' or 'outstanding'). It originally referred to a long wooden oar or paddle for propelling boats. Through metonymy, it came to denote the boat itself in classical poetry, often appearing in scenes of river or lake travel. The character also functions as a verb meaning to row or scull.
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