Definitions

embroidered banner

Etymology

A silk  banner over a door 

About

Combining "silk" and "door", originally depicted a silk banner draped over a door and came to denote an embroidered banner or fine silk cover for protecting halberds and other weapons during ceremonial processions. With an alternate pronunciation, it also refers to bone articulations or a critical juncture, famously used in classical texts for the knots or joints in meat, evoking a metaphorical pivot point or structural connection.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern