Definitions
to squat; to stop
Etymology
About
The character 跱 is a phono-semantic compound: the left side is the foot radical 足 (zú), which anchors the meaning in actions or postures of the lower limbs; the right side is 寺 (sì), usually 'temple,' but here solely a phonetic marker. The original meaning is to stand still, plant the feet firmly, and halt movement. This physical immobility then extended to the mental sphere, referring to hesitation, indecision, or an inability to proceed. The character's construction thus mirrors the dual sense of being stationary, both bodily and psychologically.
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