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The character "虢" originated as the name for two Zhou dynasty feudal states, with its etymology suggesting a connection to martial or tiger-related imagery, as seen in its structure that combines the "虍" radical associated with tigers and a right-hand component that historically served a phonetic function. Initially designating these territories, the character's application gradually narrowed over centuries to become primarily a surname in modern usage, while its structural composition has remained consistent in standard orthography.
Etymology Hide