舄

xì

勹 + 灬 + 臼

Definitions

xì shoe, the sole of a shoe; magpie

Etymology

Pictograph of a bird with its two wings opened. Based on the original meaning "magpie", now written as 鵲. The current meaning "shoe" is a phonetic loan.

About

舄 (xì) originated as a pictograph of a bird with spread wings, depicting a magpie (now written 鵲). It was later borrowed purely for its sound to mean a type of formal shoe, typically made of wood with a double-layered sole that elevated the wearer above mud and damp ground, distinguishing it from ordinary footwear. This ceremonial shoe frequently appears in classical texts describing the attire of nobles and officials at important rituals, and the borrowed meaning eventually became primary.