You Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Shell (bèi). Page 1209, Entry 15. The ancient forms of this character are written as 臤 and 贒. Pronounced xián. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means having much talent. According to the Jade Chapters (Yupian), it means having virtuous conduct. Book of Changes (Yijing), Hexagram of the Cauldron: Great success comes from nourishing the sages and the worthy. Also, in the Appended Remarks (Xici): If it can last long, then it is the virtue of the worthy man; if it can be great, then it is the achievement of the worthy man. Book of Documents (Shujing), Plan of Great Yu: In the wilderness, there are no overlooked worthy people. Also, in the Chapter on Holding One Virtue: Appoint officials only according to their worth and talent. Book of Rites (Liji), Inner Chapters: If one is wealthy, then prepare two sacrificial animals and present the best of them to the head of the clan. The commentary notes that here, worthy means good. It also means to surpass. Book of Rites (Liji), Pitch-pot: So-and-so surpasses so-and-so by a certain number of units. The commentary notes that here, to surpass is defined as worthy. Also, pronounced xiàn. Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Winter Bureau, Artificer's Record: The Wheelwright says: Divide the length of the hub into five parts, remove one to make the worthy. The commentary notes that worthy here means a large hole. Also, according to the Rhyme Supplement (Yunbu), it rhymes with the sound zhēn. Book of Odes (Shijing), Lesser Odes: My service is uniquely worthy. It rhymes with the sound chén. History of the Former Han (Qianhan Shu), Narrative Biography: Having attained noble rank, with wealth and gifts to nourish the worthy, using simple quilts and coarse food to cultivate self-restraint.