Wei Collection, Middle Volume
Radical: Silk (mì)
Juan (falling tone)
Kangxi stroke count: 13
Page 924, Entry 01
Pronounced juan (falling tone)
According to the Explanation of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to silk resembling wheat. According to the Guangya, it refers to a type of fine, light silk. According to the Explanation of Names (Shiming), it is silk, meaning threads that are thick yet loosely woven. According to the Expanded Dictionary (Guangyun), it refers to a type of firm silk.
Also pronounced quan (rising tone). Sometimes written in a variant form (juan). According to a commentary on the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), in the Autumn Officers section, concerning the office of Ming Shi: it refers to the types of nets used to stretch and trap birds and beasts, used to close or secure the game. Furthermore, according to a commentary on the Shi Shi section: place the food the bird eats inside the silk, and when the bird comes down, its feet are caught.
Also pronounced xuan (falling tone). Refers to the rope or cord used for the target in archery.
Research note: According to the Guangya, it refers to fine, loose silk. The original text has been corrected accordingly.