Xu Collection, Upper Volume
Radical: Metal (jīn)
銜; Kangxi strokes: 14
Page 1305, Entry 12
Pronounced xián.
Shuowen Jiezi: The bit in a horse's mouth. Composed of the radicals for metal and to walk. The bit is that which controls the horse's movements. An ideogram.
Strategies of the Warring States (Zhanguo Ce): Leaning on the crossbar and pulling on the bit, traveling across the world.
Book of Han (Hanshu), Biography of Zhang Chang: Benefiting from the bit and the whip.
Also, Zhengzitong: To hold something in the mouth is called xian.
Book of Odes (Shijing), Bin Odes: The commentary states: There was no initial act of holding the bit or the gag.
Dongjing Meng Hua Lu: The imperial carriage ascended the Xuande Gate, and an amnesty was issued. A pole for the golden rooster was erected; atop the pole was a large wooden plate supporting a golden rooster, holding in its mouth a red pennant inscribed with the words Emperor, ten thousand years.
Poem by Lu Zhaolin: The dragon holds the jeweled canopy in its mouth to welcome the morning sun.
Also, Zhengzitong: To carry out the command of a ruler is called xianming (receiving a mandate).
Official ranks and titles are called xian.
Yulin: In recent appointments, the previous office is listed first, followed by the proposed office; the new and old are linked (xian) together.
Poem by Bai Juyi, for Zhang Ji: Only the poet Zhang the Great Invoker has for ten years not changed his old official title.
Poem by Lu You: Every character of his title is as pure as ice.
Also, to feel or be moved by.
Guanzi, Law and Order: When laws are established, the people are happy; when orders are issued, the people accept them.
Poem by Lin Jingxi: The heart is moved by the benevolence of creation.
Also, to resent or bear a grudge.
Book of Han (Hanshu), Biographies of the Imperial Consorts: Consort Li was angry and did not respond, and her words were disrespectful; Emperor Jing bore a grudge against her in his heart.
Old Book of Tang (Tangshu), Biography of Xue Yi: Yi was frequently humiliated by Li Jing and deeply resented him.
Also, ginseng is also known as renxian.
Bencao (Pharmacopoeia): Its growth has stages, hence the name.
Poem by Su Shi: I had heard of the renxian fungus growing on this sheep-gut ridge.
Also, Maxian (Horse Bit) is a sea deity.
Mu Hua, Sea Rhapsody: The Haitong blocks the path, and Maxian stands in the road.
Commentary: Haitong and Maxian are both names of deities. Maxian has a horse's head, a single horn, and the form of a dragon.