Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Character: Duo Kangxi Stroke Count: 16 Page 1310, Entry 05 Pronounced ta (entering tone) According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to covering an object with metal. According to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), it refers to the metal-covered tip of an implement. According to the Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), in the Biography of the Duke of Zhou of Lu, it mentions the metal spurs of the Hou clan. The commentary notes that this refers to using metal to cover the spurs of a cock.