Definitions
Etymology
Origin unclear. 虎 depicts a tiger.
About
The origin of 虒 is unclear, but it is often explained as a phono-semantic compound: the tiger radical 虍 (from 虎, a depiction of a tiger) hints at a tiger-like beast, while the lower component supplies the ancient pronunciation. In classical literature, the character denoted a mythical amphibious creature resembling a horned tiger, able to move on land and in water. It was also adopted as a proper noun for certain ancient places and rivers. Its meaning is thus confined to these specialized archaic contexts, referring either to the legendary animal or to an obscure historical toponym.
Etymology Hide
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.