Chen Collection, Middle Volume
Radical: Tree (mù)
Yuan
Kangxi Stroke Count: 14
Page 544, Entry 09
Pronounced yuan (level tone).
In the Jade Manual (Yupian), it refers to a reel for winding silk. Sometimes written in a variant form. According to the Dialects (Fangyan) by Yang Xiong, a reel is called a yuan, which is used for winding silk; this is the term used in the regions between the Yan, Yu, He, and Ji rivers.
Also, a device for suspending bells and chimes. As noted in the Guanzi, Hegemonic Strategy Chapter, one arranges the devices for suspending bells and chimes, and displays the music of singing, dancing, and wind instruments.
Also a surname. According to the Comprehensive Genealogies (Tongpu), during the Han dynasty, there were figures named Yuan Wenshu and Yuan Zhonggu.
Also pronounced wei (level tone). The meaning is the same. Note that the Rhyme Collection (Yunhui) states that the Supplementary Rhymes (Zengyun) records it as xuan, which is an error; xuan refers to a wooden shoe stretcher. The Corrected Explanations (Zhengzitong) claims it is a vulgar form of the character xuan, which is even more incorrect.