Definitions

huī signal flag; to signal

Etymology

About

The character "麾" is structured with the component "麻" above "毛", and it initially denoted a flag or standard used by military commanders to direct movements on the battlefield. From this nominal sense, the character acquired a verbal meaning, referring to the act of waving such a flag to issue orders, thus extending to signify commanding or leading troops. This semantic development allowed "麾" to function in compounds like "麾下", where it indicates those under one's command, reflecting a transition from a specific object to broader concepts of authority and control.

Etymology Hide

Seal etymology image
Seal Shuowen (~100 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Eastern Han dynasty (25-220 AD)
Clerical etymology image
Clerical Cao Wei (Three Kingdoms: 222-280 AD)
Traditional Modern
Simplified Modern