Wei Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Silk (mì) 縊 Kangxi Stroke Count: 16 Page 933, Entry 14 Pronounced yi (falling tone). According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it means to hang. According to the Extensive Glossary (Guangya), it means to strangle. According to the Explaining Names (Shiming), a rope used for hanging is called yi. Yi means to constrain; it is to constrain the neck. In the Zuo Tradition (Zuo Zhuan), Year 13 of Duke Huan, it is recorded that the Moao official hanged himself in Huanggu. The commentary states that yi means to hang oneself. In the Rites of Zhou (Zhouli), Winter Offices, Record of Artificers, concerning the carriage-pole makers: if the oxen do not fit the shafts, one must strangle the oxen. Also pronounced yi (falling tone). The meaning is the same.