About
铨 is a phono-semantic compound: the radical 钅 (jīn, metal) indicates the meaning, and 全 (quán, whole/complete) gives the sound. The traditional form is 銓, with the full metal radical 金. Originally it meant weighing or measuring objects, hence the metal radical, since weights and scales were typically made of metal. From physical weighing, the meaning extended to abstract evaluation and assessment, eventually designating the selection and appointment of officials based on merit.
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