Xu Collection, Upper Volume Radical: Metal (jīn) Kangxi Strokes: 20 Page 1322, Entry 01 Pronounced xún. According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen jiezi), it is the hilt-guard of a sword. Xu Kai stated that the hilt-guard is the part below where the hand grips the sword. The Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun) cites the Sancang (Sancang) saying it is the mouth of a sword, also called the sword ring. Sima Biao called it the sword ear. Strategies of the Warring States (Zhanguoce): Without the advantage of hooks, poles, hilt-guards, and whiskers. Note: The hilt-guard is the ear or nose of a sword. Also, from the History of the Former Han (Qian Han shu), Biography of Han Yanshou: Cast swords, knives, and hilt-guards. Note: A hilt-guard is similar to a sword but smaller. Also, the name of a district. From the History of the Former Han, Treatise on Geography: Tanfeng District in Zangke Commandery. Also a surname. Han Yuzhou Inspector Tan Xian. Pronounced yín. The meaning is the same. The annotations in Strategies of the Warring States, the History of the Former Han Treatise on Geography, and the Biography of Han Yanshou all note that it is read with both the xún and yín pronunciations. Pronounced tán. Zhang Heng, Eastern Capital Rhapsody (Dongjing fu): Blocking the current at Dizhu, acting as a hilt-guard against the great mountain. Note: It means the great mountain is dangerous, similar to the mouth of a sword. The hilt-guard is pronounced tán. Also, the name of a district. From the History of the Former Han, Treatise on Geography: Tancheng District in Wuling Commandery. Note: Tancheng is pronounced tán. Huainanzi, Lessons on Human Affairs: An army blocked the ridge of Tancheng. Note: Tancheng is located southwest of Wuling, bordering Yulin Commandery. Also, from the History of the Later Han, Biography of Chong: Chong arrived and employed capable officials such as Wang Huan and Tan Xian, treating them as his confidants. Note: Tan is pronounced tán. The Corrected Characters (Zhengzitong) notes that for the surname, there are the two pronunciations tán and xún. For the Han official Tan Zheng and the Ming official Tan Jian, one reading is xún and the other is tán. Pronounced tán (rising tone). It is the mouth of a sword. Zhuangzi, Discourse on Swords: The Zhou and Song as hilt-guards. Note: The hilt-guard is pronounced tán. It is the mouth of a sword. Pronounced xùn. The base of a knife. Pronounced duó. The ear of a sword.