Zi Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Person (rén) Character: Yan Kangxi strokes: 22 Page 122, Entry 05 Archaic form. According to the Extensive Rhyme (Guangyun), pronounced yan (rising tone). According to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), pronounced yan (rising tone). According to the Rhyme Meetings (Yunhui), pronounced yan (rising tone), same as the rising tone of yan. According to the Explanation of Words and Analysis of Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means to hold one's head high. Another meaning is having a good appearance. It also means respectful. According to the Literary Expositor (Erya), in the section on explaining ancient words, yan means to be respectful. According to the Book of Rites (Liji), in the chapter on minor rules of deportment, it says, to be respectful as if lost in thought. It is also interchangeable with the word for stern. According to the History of the Former Han (Qianhan Shu), in the biography of Kuang Heng, it says, to rectify one's person and be stern and respectful. The pronunciation and meaning are the same as yan. Also, according to the Book of Odes (Shijing), in the section on the Odes of the States, it says, there is a beautiful person, large and dignified. The commentary states, yan means a grave and dignified appearance. Also, according to the Huainanzi, in the chapter on the source of the classic, it speaks of coiled patterns and carved appearances. The commentary explains that carved appearances refers to things like tigers' heads carved on floating eaves. According to the Rhyme Meetings (Yunhui), in the yan rhyme category, yan is interchangeable with the character yan.