Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Kangxi Strokes: 13 Page 1300, Entry 01 Pronounced pi. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to a large needle. It also refers to a sword shaped like a knife mounting. According to the Regional Speech (Fangyan) by Yang Xiong, a tan is called a pi. In the Zuo Commentary (Zuo Zhuan), seventeenth year of Duke Xiang: Assassins were sent to kill his house steward Hua Wu and five others, using a pi to kill them at Lu Gate. In the twenty-seventh year of Duke Zhao: Using a pi to hold him. The commentary states that the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters identifies this as a sword. It is also an official title, the same as the character shi. In the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), Table of Merit of the Founding Officials of the Han: The Changpi Commandant attacked Xiang Yu and performed meritorious service. The Suoyin commentary states that Xu Guang considered Changpi to be an official title. Pi is pronounced pi. In the History of the Former Han (Qian Hanshu), it is written as shi. It is also the same as pi (to cover or open). In the Xunzi, Rectifying Names chapter: Officials carefully execute the laws without confusion or disorder. The commentary notes that pi is the same as pi, similar to how hua is the same as mi, meaning not to allow them to become confused or disordered.