Wei Collection, Middle Volume
Radical: Silk (mì)
Qu; Kangxi strokes: 11; Page 921, Entry 15
Pronounced qu.
Shuowen Jiezi: The binding cord of a shoe.
Yupian: An ornament on the toe of a shoe.
Book of Rites (Zhouli), Ministry of Heaven, Record of the Shoe Maker: Shoes have binding cords, welts, and edges, which are decorations.
Book of Etiquette and Ceremonial (Yili), Record of the Nobleman's Capping Ceremony: Blue binding cords, welts, and edges. Commentary: The term qu implies to restrain. It serves as a warning while walking; its shape resembles a knife sheath, with the loop situated at the toe of the shoe.
Erya, Explanation of Implements: The qu is called a jiu. Commentary: One uses silk to make the qu. Another source says it is also the name of a type of net. Sub-commentary: The qu is an ornament on the toe of a shoe. It is also another name for a net or snare.
Also pronounced ju. Meaning the same.