Chou Collection, Upper Volume
Radical: Mouth (kǒu)
Character: Chu
Kangxi Stroke Count: 15
Page 207, Entry 33
Jade Chapters (Yupian): This is an ancient variant of the character for livestock (chu). See the detailed annotation under the Field radical, five-stroke section.
Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi): Refers to birds and beasts. The character shape resembles ears, a head, and feet resting on the ground.
Jade Chapters (Yupian): The six types of domestic animals are called sheng when being raised, and chu when being utilized.
Master Yang’s Regional Dialects (Yangzi Fangyan): When birds and beasts are newly born, it is called bi. Additionally, in the Chu region, when humans or livestock give birth to twins, it is called lizī.
According to the commentary on the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Heaven's Office, Veterinarian section: those in the wilderness are called chu, and those raised in the home are called chu. Thus, there is a slight distinction between the two characters.