Xu Collection, Middle Volume
Radical: Tanned Leather (wéi)
Kangxi Strokes: 17
Page 1394, Entry 21
Pronounced chang.
According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), it means a bow case. It is formed from the radical for Tanned Leather with a phonetic element indicating length.
In the Book of Odes (Shijing), Qin Wind section: "Tiger-skin bow cases with inlaid metal on the breast, crossing two bows in their cases." The Commentary states: A bow case is a container for a bow. Crossing two bows in their cases means placing two bows in a crisscross pattern within the case.
Also in the Lesser Odes (Xiaoya) section: "He puts his bow into its case."
In the Book of Rites (Liji), Tan Gong section: "To put a bow into a case is to sheathe it."
Also pronounced zhang. The meaning is the same.
In the Book of Odes (Shijing), Lesser Odes (Xiaoya) section: "He puts his bow into its case." The Explanation of Text (Shiwen) states: Also pronounced zhi.
Also pronounced liang.
In the Book of Odes (Shijing), Lesser Odes (Xiaoya) section: "He puts his bow into its case." The Explanation of Text (Shiwen) states: Shen Chong reads it this way.
The Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun) notes that it is sometimes written in a variant form.