Chen Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Tree (mù). Kangxi strokes: 10. Page 525, Entry 09. Pronounced an. According to Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), a type of small table. Xu says: An is that which one leans upon. Book of Rites (Zhouli), Offices of Heaven (Tianguan): When the King performs the great sacrifice to the Supreme Deity, he sets out felt mats and tables. At the sacrifice to the five emperors at dawn, he sets out double canopies and double tables. Also refers to food vessels. Book of Rites (Zhouli), Winter Offices, Record of Artificers (Kaogongji): When the wife feasts the feudal lords, the tables are twelve inches. The commentary notes: The jade tables are arranged in twelve rows. Also refers to a method involving wooden tables for checking atmospheric energy. History of the Later Han (Houhan shu), Treatise on the Calendar: Construct a room with three layers, densely covered with silk, and within the room, use a wooden table. Also refers to boundaries. Discourses of the States (Guoyu), Discourses of Qi (Qiyu): To organize the state and establish boundaries. Also refers to order or sequence. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Annals of Emperor Gao (Gaodi ji): The officials and people all remained in order as before. Also written as an, meaning to examine. History of the Former Han (Qianhan shu), Biography of Jia Yi: Examining the current affairs. Biography of Bing Ji: Nothing was found to investigate or verify. Also means to stroke or rest the hand upon. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biography of Lord Mengchang: Stroking his sword, he stepped forward. According to the Correct Meaning Guide (Zhengzi tong), generally, matters decided by government offices regarding new regulations, removals, or legal cases are called an. Writing books and raising arguments is also called an. According to Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), also the name of a tree. Also rhymes with yan (first tone). Ouyang Xiu, Poem on Reading: At first like two armies meeting, riding the momentum while the battle is intense. How wonderful is the joy of the world, spending the entire day at the reading table.