Yin Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Cloth (bù). Character: Sail. Kangxi stroke count: 6. Page 328, Entry 14.
Ancient text. According to the Extensive Rhymes (Guangyun) and Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), the pronunciation is fan. According to the Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), it is a screen or covering on a boat used to catch the wind. According to the Extensive Eulogy of Guangcheng (Guangcheng Song) by Ma Rong: Unfurling cloud-like sails and spreading rainbow-colored curtains.
Also, stone-sail is the name of a plant. According to the Rhapsody on the Capital of Wu (Wudu Fu) by Zuo Si: Stone-sails and water-pines. The commentary by Liu Kui states: Stone-sail grows on the rocks of sea islands; it is a type of plant.
Also, according to the Extensive Rhymes (Guangyun), the Collection of Rhymes (Jiyun), and the Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), the pronunciation is fan (falling tone). According to the Extensive Rhymes (Guangyun), it refers to a boat using the wind. According to the Explanation of Names (Shiming): A sail, meaning to float. Spreading a canopy to follow the wind is called a sail. It makes the boat travel quickly, in a floating manner. According to the Poem on Leaving Office for the Capital (Chuguan Fuque Shi) by Han Yu: There is no cause to sail the river water. The commentary by Hong Xingzu states: It means a boat using the wind. According to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), it is the same as the present character. It is also written in a variant form (fán).