Chen Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Tree (mù) Entry: Qiang Kangxi Strokes: 14 Page 546, Entry 01 Pronounced qiang Shuowen Jiezi (Analysis of Characters as an Explanation of Words) states it refers to a defensive weapon. Book of Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Office of Autumn, Office of the Superintendent of Metals: When the state experiences major upheavals and utilizes metal or stone weaponry, the office oversees the relevant orders. Commentary: The use of metal and stone weaponry refers to the manufacturing of implements such as spears, mallets, clubs, and halberds. Yang Xiong, Rhapsody on the Longyang (Changyang Fu): Used wood and bamboo spears piled up to serve as defensive fortifications. Yupian (Jade Chapters): Refers to a piece of wood that is sharp at both ends. Leipian (Classified Chapters): Sharpening wood to use as a defensive measure against thieves is called qiang. Also, it is noted as a type of implement. See the annotations for the character nou. Also refers to striking or colliding. Book of Han (Hanshu), Biography of Lu Wenshu: Upon seeing the prison officials, he would strike his head against the ground. Book of Han (Hanshu), Treatise on Astronomy: The stars to the left of the Purple Forbidden Enclosure are called the Heavenly Spears (Tianqiang). Also a surname. Xingyuan (Garden of Surnames): There were people with the surname Qiang during the Han dynasty. Pronounced zheng Erya (Approaching the Elegant), Explanation of the Heavens: A comet is called a chanchang. Also rhymes with the sound qiang. Song dynasty, Xie Zhan, Poem on Zhang Zifang: Within the command tent, he devised plans with composure, causing the imperial foundation to shine brightly. At Hongmen he dissolved the crisis, and at Gaixia, he caused the comet-like enemy to fall. Textual Research: Book of Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Office of Autumn, Office of the Residential Managers: When the state experiences major upheavals and utilizes metal or stone, then oversee their orders. Correction: According to the original text, Office of Residential Managers has been changed to Office of the Superintendent of Metals.