Xu Collection, Middle Volume, Page 758, Entry 08 Pronounced shan (falling tone) To offer sacrifice to heaven. Also, to yield. "Shun and Yu received the abdication" — "Annals of the Various Kings of Different Surnames" (Qian Han Shu) The character for abdication is often written as in the "Book of Han," and later usage became common. However, when referring to the "altar of sacrifice" (shàntán), the distinction must be maintained.