Shen Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Tiger (hǔ). Kangxi brush strokes: 10. Page 1073, Entry 17.
Tang Rhymes (Tangyun), Collection Rhymes (Jiyun), and Dictionary of Rhymes (Yunhui) all state the pronunciation is qian. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), it describes the manner in which a tiger walks.
According to the Approach to Classics (Erya), the term signifies firmness.
In the Book of Documents (Shangshu), specifically the Marquis of Lu (Lu Xing) chapter, it refers to seizing, plundering, feigning, or taking by force. The commentary explains that this is like treating something as if it were originally one's own; it refers to taking another person's property as though one had always possessed it.
It also carries the meaning of respect. In the Discourses of Lu (Luyu), it is noted that in the evening, during the minor harvest ritual offered to the moon, one should act with the Grand Historian and the Director of Records to respectfully follow the way of Heaven.
It also refers to a chopping block. In the Book of Odes (Shijing), in the Odes of Shang section, it mentions the chopping block being trimmed.
According to the Broad Approach (Boya), it also carries the meaning of benevolence, and can mean few or small.
It also carries the meaning of killing or harming. In the Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), under the thirteenth year of Duke Cheng, it states that they harmed the people of our border regions.
According to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), it means to take by force. It also describes a neat or upright appearance.
It is also used as a surname. According to the Comprehensive Treatise on Clans and Surnames (Tongzhi), the Customs and Traditions (Fengsutong) records the Liuqian clan as descendants of the Yellow Emperor.
It is also the name of a prefecture. The Dictionary of Rhymes (Yunhui) notes that Yudu and Gan counties were part of Yuzhang Commandery during the Han dynasty, and Qian Prefecture was established during the Tang dynasty.
It also rhymes with the zhen rhyme group and is pronounced qin. In a poem by Gao Biao, it is written: The path of culture and martial power was about to decline, so worthy ministers were dispatched to put the principles of my imperial dynasty in order and rectify this disrespectful behavior.
