About
蓑 is a phono-semantic compound: the grass radical 艹 on top signifies vegetation or plant material, and 衰 below supplies the sound suō. Historically, it denoted a traditional East Asian raincoat woven from dried grass, straw, or palm leaves, utilitarian rainwear essential for pre-modern farmers, fishermen, and laborers working outdoors in inclement weather. Today, with such raincoats obsolete, the character appears primarily in classical poetry, historical literature, and the compound 蓑衣 (suōyī).
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.