Definitions
ivory bodkin for undoing knots
Etymology
About
The character 觿 is a phono-semantic compound: the left radical 角 (horn) indicates it was crafted from horn, bone, or ivory, while the right component 巂 provides its phonetic value. Historically, it denoted a pointed, awl-like implement worn suspended from the belt, primarily used for untying knots. Beyond its practical function, it also served as a symbolic accessory for young men, marking their coming-of-age and readiness to manage complex tasks. The character’s structure faithfully records the material of the artifact, though its use is now largely confined to classical texts and studies of ancient attire and ritual customs.
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