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氅 is a phono-semantic compound with the semantic radical 毛 (hair, fur, feathers) and the phonetic component 敞. It originally referred to the downy feathers of cranes or other large birds, collected to make specialized garments. This meaning shifted to the garment itself, an overcoat, cloak, or outer robe traditionally made from bird feathers or animal fur. In modern usage, it almost exclusively denotes a long, loose-fitting outer cloak or heavy coat, no longer requiring feathers but still associated with protective outerwear.
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