Xu Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Food (shí) Page 1417, Entry 01 Kangxi Stroke Count: 13 Pronounced fan (falling tone). According to the Expanded Rhymes (Guangyun), the General Rhymes (Jiyun), and the Collection of Rhymes (Yunhui), the pronunciation is fan (rising tone). According to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), it means to eat food. In the Book of Rites (Liji), specifically the Summary of the Rules of Propriety (Quli): When eating millet, do not use chopsticks. Also in the Record of the Son of Heaven Wen (Wenwang Shizi): King Wen had one meal, and also had one meal; King Wen had a second meal, and also had a second meal. Also in the Ceremonial Rites (Yili), in the Ritual of Offering Food at the Minor Sacrifice (Shaolao kuishi li), in the commentary on the host eating again: Some speak of eating, others of having a meal. Eating is the general term; a small amount is called a meal. The sub-commentary states: Eating is the general term because in the Analects (Lunyu), the text mostly speaks of eating. Small amount is called a meal means that in the Shaolao ceremony, it specifically mentions three meals, five meals, nine meals, etc. It refers to one mouthful as one meal, and five mouthfuls as five meals, so it is referred to as a small amount. Also in the Analects (Lunyu): The attendant for the second meal, the third meal, and the fourth meal. The commentary states: These are officials who provide music to accompany the meal. According to the White Tiger Hall Discussions (Baihu tong): The King has four meals: at dawn, at noon, in the late afternoon, and at dusk. The feudal lords have three meals, and the ministers have two meals. Also refers to the base of the thumb. In the Ceremonial Rites (Yili), in the Rites for the Funeral of an Officer (Shi sangli): Place the archer's ring on the wrist and hold it by the meal. The commentary states: To place means to apply. The wrist is the joint in the back of the hand. The meal refers to the base of the thumb. The archer's ring is made of leather and has a hole; the inner end has a loop, and the outer end has a horizontal strap. It is set by the loop and worn on the base of the thumb. Pronounced fan (falling tone). According to the Tang Rhymes (Tangyun), the General Rhymes (Jiyun), the Collection of Rhymes (Yunhui), and the Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), the pronunciation is fan (falling tone). According to the Analytical Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen): To eat. In the Book of Zhou from the Bamboo Annals (Jizhong Zhoushu): The Yellow Emperor first cooked grain to make a meal. In the Book of Rites (Liji), in the Summary of the Rules of Propriety (Quli): Do not roll rice into a ball. The sub-commentary states: If one takes rice and rolls it into a ball, it is easier to get more; this shows a desire to be satiated, which is not humble. Also in the Ceremonial Rites (Yili), in the Ritual for Feeding an Officer (Gongshi dafu li): The guest ascends, and the Duke bows and withdraws to the side. After the guest finishes eating, he takes three drinks with the meal. The commentary states: Taking with the meal refers to millet and panicled millet. Also rhymes with bian (falling tone). In the poetry of Su Che: Travelers on the bank do not return at dusk, a clear fragrance enters the sleeves as the cool breeze blows on the face. Pitching pots and playing ball in the shade of green willows, we finish the clear wine and eat the white meal. The Expanded Rhymes (Guangyun) lists this as the same. Commonly written as a variant form (fàn).