About
踥 (qiè) is a phono-semantic compound combining the semantic radical 足 (zú, foot) on the left, which ties the meaning to leg and foot actions, with the phonetic component 妾 (qiè) on the right. It appears in classical Chinese texts to describe a very specific manner of walking: a mincing, careful gait with small steps. The character's usage is strictly limited to this narrow domain of locomotion and stepping, making it a precise descriptor for a particular footwork style.
Report an issue
Flag incorrect definitions, examples, etymology, etc.