Hai Collection, Upper Volume
Radical: Bone (gǔ)
Kangxi Strokes: 16
Page 1449, Entry 11
Pronounced ge. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), the bones of birds and beasts are called ge. In the commentary to the Office of Autumn (Qiuguan) in the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), it is stated that regarding ge and bones of decayed corpses, all bones of humans and animals are referred to as such. In the Monthly Ordinances (Yueling) of the Book of Rites (Liji), it speaks of burying withered bones and rotting flesh. The annotation states that dried bones are called ge. The Explanation of Text (Shiwen) states that bones exposed to the outside are called ge.
Also, pronounced ge. According to the Classified Chapters (Leipian), it refers to the hind leg bone of a sacrificial animal. In the Rites and Ceremonial (Yili), in the section regarding the offering of a special animal, it says to lift the hind leg bone along with the meat and fish just as was done at the beginning. In the commentary on the duties of officials regarding sheep bones, it is noted that in ancient texts, ge was written as ge. According to the Nine Classics Rhyme Overview (Jiujing Yunlan), ge is sometimes written as ge.