Chen Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Tree (mù) Kangxi Strokes: 10 Page 522, Entry 25 Ancient form. Pronounced jiao. According to the Shuowen Jiezi (Explanation of Writing and Analysis of Characters), it refers to wooden fetters. Xu states that it refers to joining pieces of wood. In the Book of Changes (Yijing), it says: Wearing foot-stocks that cover the toes. The commentary states that this refers to fetters used to restrict movement, specifically a wooden device. It also means to contend or to retaliate. In the Analects (Lunyu), it says: To be offended and not retaliate. It also means to examine or compare. In the Book of Rites (Liji), it says: Each year they enter school, and in the middle year, they are examined. It also means to compare. In the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), it says: The minor minister compares the equipment of the government offices. The commentary states this means to compare them in sequence. The sub-commentary states this is to determine whether they are sufficient or of good quality. It also means to check or verify. In the History of the Former Han (Hanshu), it says: The strings of coins rotted and could not be verified. It also refers to wooden barriers used to enclose wild animals. In the Annals of Emperor Cheng of Han, it mentions a great organized hunt. It also refers to the editing of books. In the Biography of Liu Xiang in the History of the Former Han, it says: The emperor issued an edict for Xiang to edit the Five Classics and secret archives. In the Minor Erya (Xiao Erya), it says: Battle and intersection are called jiao. Also pronounced xiao. A name for a school. In the Xia dynasty, it was called jiao. Jiao means to teach; village schools are called jiao. In the Zuo Tradition (Zuo Zhuan), it says: The people of Zheng gathered in the village school to discuss the government. In the Annals of Emperor Ping of Han, it says: The schools in commanderies and kingdoms were called xue, and those in marquisates were called jiao. It also refers to a wooden frame used for raising horses. In the Rites of Zhou, it says: The duties of the official of the stables involve six stables forming a jiao, and the jiao has left and right sides, making twelve enclosures. It also refers to a commander with a staff or enclosure. In the History of the Former Han, it says: The Colonel (Xiao) of the Retainers and the Colonel (Xiao) of the City Gates. In the Treatises on Law, it mentions adding seven colonels. In the Explanation of Names (Shiming), it says: A jiao is a designation, the place where the commander issues orders. Also a surname. In the Comprehensive Records (Tongpu), it mentions Tang Xiaojie, an official during the Tianbao era. Also pronounced jiao. To be swift or to be taut. In the Rites of Zhou, it says: When pulled it is loose, and when released it is not taut (jiao). Also pronounced yao. A crossbar. The central vertical piece of a sacrificial vessel (dou) is called a jiao. In the Book of Rites, it says: The mistress presents the sacrificial vessel holding it by the crossbar. Also pronounced qiao. Foot of a small table. The horizontal wood forming the legs under a sacrificial stand or small table. In the Book of Rites, it says: The host dusts the small table and hands it over by the leg (qiao). The commentary says it is pronounced bao. Also pronounced qiao. Same meaning as the above.