Mao Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Hand (shǒu) Kangxi stroke count: 15 Page 449, Entry 14 Pronounced jiu. As defined in the Analytical Dictionary of Chinese Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), to bind and kill. As defined in the Jade Collection (Yupian), to twist. According to the Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial (Yili), in the section regarding mourning garments: The headband for a premature death should not be twisted and left hanging. The commentary states: Do not twist the part of the sash that hangs down. Also means to seek. In the Thought Rhapsody (Si Fu) by Zhang Heng: Seeking the heavenly way, where does it go? Also pronounced liu. To bind or to strip. Sometimes written in a variant form. Also a surname. Shang Jiu, a Governor of Henei during the Wei dynasty. Also pronounced jiu. Same meaning as above. Sometimes written in a variant form. Also pronounced jiao. Also means to bind or to wrap around. According to the Record of the Five Elements in the History of the Former Han Dynasty (Qian Hanshu Wuxing Zhi): In the second year of the Yongguang reign of Emperor Yuan, it rained grass, and the leaves were intertwined and knotted together, as large as pellets. Also pronounced liao. Things crossing each other. Also pronounced liao. To restrain. Also pronounced jiao. To search. Also pronounced rao (rising tone). To disturb. Same as the character for disturb (nao). According to the Great Mystery (Taixuanjing) by Yangzi: Life and death disturb one another, and thus the myriad things are bound. The commentary states: Life and death disturb one another; therefore, the myriad things are also intertwined and completed. Originally written with the radical for feathers (liao), later simplified to the current form.