Si Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Dog (quǎn) Page 720, Entry 09 Pronounced xian (rising tone). Book of Exemplary Rhymes (Guangyun), Book of Rhymes Compiled (Jiyun), and Comprehensive Collection of Rhymes (Yunhui): pronounced xian (rising tone). Approximation of Refined Terms (Erya), Explanation of Words: xian means to kill. Explication of Texts (Shiwen): An autumn hunt is called xian. Commentary: This is to comply with the killing energy of autumn. Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Spring Office, Master of Ceremonies (Sishi): On the day of the xian sacrifice, preside over the divination regarding warnings for the coming year. Also, Summer Office, Grand Marshal (Da sima): In mid-autumn, teach the handling of weapons, then proceed to hold the xian field hunt. Explanation of Simple and Compound Characters (Shuowen): Originally written as a different character. Sometimes written as a variant form. Book of Rhymes Compiled (Jiyun): Also written as a variant form. Textual Research: Rites of Zhou, Spring Office, Lesser Minister of Ceremonies (Xiao zongbo): On the day of the xian sacrifice, preside over the divination regarding warnings for the coming year. Note: The two sentences concerning the day of the xian sacrifice are located under Master of Ceremonies (Sishi); Lesser Minister of Ceremonies has been changed to Master of Ceremonies.