Wei Collection, Lower Volume
Radical: Silk (mì)
Character: tiao
Kangxi strokes: 12
Page 923, Entry 11
According to the Extensive Rhymes (Guangyun) and the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), the pronunciation is tiao (falling tone).
According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), it refers to the number of silk threads in damask. The Han Statutes state: The count of silk threads in damask is called tiao; for cloth, it is called zong; for ribbons and braided cords, it is called shou.
Additionally, according to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), the Rhyme Collection (Yunhui), and the Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), the pronunciation is zhao (falling tone). The meaning is the same.
Also, according to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), the pronunciation is tiao (rising tone). According to the Classified Chapters (Leipian), it describes the length of silk fabric.
Also, according to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), the pronunciation is dao (falling tone). According to the Classified Chapters (Leipian), it refers to five-colored threads.