You Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Foot (zú) Kangxi strokes: 13 Page 1225, Entry 13 Tang Dynasty Rhymes (Tangyun): Pronounced gui (falling tone) Collected Rhymes (Jiyun) and Collection of Rhymes (Yunhui): Pronounced gui (rising tone) Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen): To perform a bow. Explanation of Names (Shiming): Kneeling signifies precariousness. Both knees hidden on the ground make the body posture precarious and inclined. Comprehensive Collection of Characters (Yupian): The Sound Categories states: It is to kneel on one's knees. Book of Rites (Liji), Songs of Propriety (Quli): When handing over an object while standing, do not kneel. Furthermore, the host kneels to straighten the mat, and the guest kneels to touch the mat and express greetings. Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Biographies of the Marquis of Liu (Liuhou Shijia): Therefore, he knelt for a long time to put his shoes on for him. Correct Meaning Thoroughly Debated (Zhengzitong): Master Zhu states that when both knees touch the ground and one rests the buttocks on the heels to be somewhat comfortable, this is sitting. When one extends the waist and thighs such that the posture is precarious, this is kneeling. By kneeling, one increases one's display of respect. When the head touches the ground, this is bowing. Xunzi, Exhortation to Learning (Quanxue pian): The crab has six legs and two pincers. Commentary: Kneeling refers to the feet. Broad Rhymes (Guangyun): Pronounced wei (falling tone) Collected Rhymes (Jiyun) and Collection of Rhymes (Yunhui): Pronounced wei (rising tone) It means to kneel. It is also sometimes written in a variant form. Collected Rhymes (Jiyun): Pronounced gui (rising tone). Also pronounced wei (level tone). The meaning is the same.