Chou Collection, Middle Volume
Radical: Earth (tǔ)
Entry: Tiao
Kangxi stroke count: 9
Page 228, Entry 03
In Guangyun (Guǎngyùn), pronounced tiao (falling tone). In Jiyun (Jiyùn), pronounced tiao (rising tone); the reading is zhao.
According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuōwén Jiězì), it refers to field boundaries, serving as the limits for seasonal sacrifices, within which sacrifices are held. It also refers to a type of sacrifice. In the Rites of Zhou (Zhōulǐ), Spring Officials, Lesser Chamberlain: performing sacrifices to the Five Emperors in the four suburbs, and sacrificing to the mountains, rivers, hills, and highlands and lowlands. It also refers to a tomb as a place of burial. In the Classic of Filial Piety (Xiàojīng): divining and selecting a grave site before burial. It is used interchangeably with the character zhao. All grave boundaries are called tiao. Also, in Jiyun (Jiyùn) and Rhyme Collection (Yùnhuì), pronounced zhao (falling tone). The meaning is the same.