Definitions

used in 睥睨[pì nì]; Taiwan pr. [bì]

Etymology phono-semantic

eye

Semantic: Phonetic:

About

(pì) is a phono-semantic compound: the semantic radical 'eye' on the left anchors it in the realm of looking, and the phonetic (bēi) supplies the pronunciation. It describes a sidelong glance, looking out of the corner of the eye rather than facing someone directly. This glance conveys arrogance, contempt, or looking down on others, and the character is most frequently used in the compound 睥睨 (pìnì), a haughty, scornful glare.