Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Kangxi Strokes: 20 Page 1322, Entry 13 Tang Rhymes (Tangyun): Pronounced xun. Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), Rhyme Compendium (Yunhui), Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun): Pronounced xun. Explanation of Graphs and Analysis of Characters (Shuowen): The guard of a sword. Xu Kai says: The sword guard is the part below where the hand grips the sword. Correct Rhymes: Sancang says: The mouth of a sword. Also, a sword ring. Sima Biao says: The ear of a sword. Strategies of the Warring States (Zhan Guo Ce): Without the convenience of hooks, poles, sword guards, and shields. Commentary: A sword guard is the ear or nose of a sword. Also, History of the Former Han (Qian Han Shu), Biography of Han Yanshou: Cast swords, knives, and sword guards. Commentary: A sword guard is like a sword but smaller. Also, the name of a county. History of the Former Han (Qian Han Shu), Treatise on Geography: Tanfeng County in Zangke Commandery. Also, a surname. Han Dynasty Inspector of Yuzhou, Tan Xian. Also, Wide Rhymes (Guangyun): Pronounced yin. Collected Rhymes (Jiyun): Pronounced yin. Meaning is the same. Strategies of the Warring States (Zhan Guo Ce), Commentary on Tan Meng; History of the Former Han (Qian Han Shu), Treatise on Geography, Commentary on Tanfeng County; Biography of Han Yanshou, Commentary on Sword Guard: Both pronunciations of xun and yin apply. Also, Wide Rhymes (Guangyun), Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun): Pronounced tan. Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), Rhyme Compendium (Yunhui): Pronounced tan. Zhang Heng, Eastern Capital Rhapsody (Dongjing Fu): The base of the pillar stops the flow, blocked by the great mountain. Commentary: It means the great mountain is dangerous, similar to the mouth of a sword. Tan, pronounced tan. Also, the name of a county. History of the Former Han (Qian Han Shu), Treatise on Geography: Tancheng County in Wuling Commandery. Commentary: Tan is pronounced tan. Huainanzi, Human Affairs: One army blocked the ridge of Tancheng. Commentary: Tancheng is in the southwest of Wuling, bordering Yulin Commandery. Also, History of the Later Han (Hou Han Shu), Biography of Chong: Chong arrived and employed capable officials such as Wang Huan and Tan Xian, considering them his confidants. Commentary: Tan is pronounced tan. Correct Meanings (Zhengzitong): The surname has two pronunciations, tan and xun. In the Han dynasty, Tan Zheng; in the Ming dynasty, Tan Jian; one is read as xun, the other as tan. Also, Categorized Compilation (Leipian): Pronounced tan (rising tone). The mouth of a sword. Zhuangzi, Discourse on Swords: Zhou and Song act as the sword guard. Commentary: Tan, pronounced tan. The mouth of a sword. Also, Collected Rhymes (Jiyun): Pronounced xun. The base of a knife. Also, pronounced duo. The ear of a sword.