About
逋 is a phono-semantic compound. Its semantic component is the movement radical 辶, which suggests walking or a journey, while 甫 provides the phonetic element. The original meaning is to flee or escape, particularly to evade responsibility or capture. This sense of evasion later extended to mean being in arrears or failing to pay debts or taxes on time, as people might abscond to avoid financial obligations. The character is primarily found in formal or historical texts referring to fugitives, outstanding liabilities, or the act of absconding from official levies.
Etymology Hide
