Definitions
surname Xu
all; assist; to store
Etymology
A body ⺼ wrapped in cloth 疋
About
The character "胥" structurally integrates the component "疋", which conveys the idea of a foot or foundation, with "肉", signifying flesh or substance, an arrangement that initially suggested a functional role in communal sustenance or coordination. Its earliest recorded meanings refer to a petty official or assistant involved in local administration, a sense that gradually extended to encompass notions of mutual assistance and collective totality, as evidenced in classical literature where it often serves as an adverb meaning "all" or "together". Over time, while its form remained stable, the character's semantic field broadened to include verbal uses related to anticipation or scrutiny, reflecting an adaptive progression from specific social roles to more abstract linguistic functions.
Etymology Hide
Example Sentences Hide
胥先生来自北京。
我的同事姓胥。
古代胥吏地位不高。
这位胥吏负责记录文书。
胥役在衙门里工作。
研究历史需要了解胥吏制度。
胥姓在中国并不常见。
尽管胥吏权力有限，但他们处理日常政务。