Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Entry: qin Kangxi stroke count: 15 Page 1308, Entry 01 According to the Sound Compilation (Jiyun), pronounced qian. Meaning to engrave. In the Commentary on the Spring and Autumn Annals (Gongyang Zhuan), Ding Year Eight: Gazing and engraving upon the wooden tablet. The commentary notes: To use a fingernail to carve the tablet. It is sometimes written in a variant form (xian). Additionally, according to the Sound Compilation (Jiyun), the Rhyme Collection (Yunhui), and the Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), pronounced qin. Also, according to the Sound Compilation (Jiyun) and the Rhyme Collection (Yunhui), pronounced jin. The meaning is the same. Additionally, according to the Sound Compilation (Jiyun), pronounced jin. In the Broad Refinement (Boya), it refers to an awl. Additionally, according to the Sound Compilation (Jiyun) and the Rhyme Collection (Yunhui), pronounced qin, and according to the Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), pronounced qin. The meaning is the same. Additionally, according to the Broad Rhymes (Guangyun), pronounced jian, and according to the Sound Compilation (Jiyun), pronounced jian. In the Broad Refinement (Boya), it refers to being sharp.