Chen Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Tree (mù). Kangxi stroke count: 9. Page 519, Entry 16. Pronounced tuo. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen), written as the character with a radical for tree and a phonetic component, it means to split. It refers to an object struck by night watchmen. As stated in the Book of Changes (Yijing), Lower Attached Commentary: Close the heavy gates and strike the wooden clapper to await violent guests. As stated in the Zuo Commentary (Zuozhuan), seventh year of Duke Ai of Lu: The state of Lu struck the wooden clapper, and it was heard in the state of Zhu. Xu Xuan states: This refers to two pieces of wood split and clamped at the gate to serve as a mechanism, struck together to alert the night. Nowadays, desolate cities often beat drums to keep the night watch, which is likely a remnant of this old system.