Yin Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Child (zǐ) Page 279, Entry 08 Pronounced gu. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to someone who has no father. According to the Explanations of Names (Shiming), the term implies looking around in all directions with no one to rely upon. Book of Rites (Liji), Section on Inner Propriety (Quli): A noble person does not change his name after the death of his father. It also refers to one category of the impoverished people, known as orphans. Book of Rites (Liji), Monthly Ordinances (Yueling): Support the young, and provide for those who are orphaned. It is also used as a humble self-reference by feudal lords and kings. Book of Rites (Liji), Jade Pattern (Yuzao): All rulers of small states refer to themselves as lone (gu). Section on Inner Propriety (Quli): When a feudal lord speaks to his people, he refers to himself as the widowed one (guaren). If he is in the period of mourning, he refers to himself as the legitimate orphan (dizi gu). It is also an official title, the deputy to the Three Excellencies. Book of Documents (Shangshu), Offices of Zhou (Zhouguan): Establishing the Junior Preceptor, Junior Tutor, and Junior Guardian is known as the Three Lone Ones, who assist the Three Excellencies in promoting education. Commentary: The Three Lone Ones, although deputies to the Three Excellencies, are not their subordinate officials, which is why they are called lone (gu). It also refers to being alone or isolated. Book of Rites (Liji), Record of Learning (Xueji): To study alone without friends results in shallow knowledge and limited vision. According to the Yu Pian dictionary, it also means unique. Book of Documents (Shangshu), Tribute of Yu (Yugong): The paulownia trees that grow uniquely on the southern slopes of Mount Yi. Commentary: Trees that grow in isolation. According to the Jiyun dictionary, it means to fail or betray. Li Ling, Reply to Su Wu: I, Li Ling, have failed (gu) the grace bestowed upon me, and the Han dynasty has also abandoned its virtue and righteousness. Mao says: All instances of failure or betrayal should be written as this character. It is commonly but incorrectly written as the character for crime. Dugu, a double surname. Xu Xuan says: Regarding the character structure, the components child and melon combine to form this character, using the sound of melon. When a child cannot see his father, he cries out. This is a compound ideograph.