Mao Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Axe (jīn) Zhuo Kangxi stroke count: 12 Page 480, Entry 02 Classical citations: According to the Tang Rhyme (Tangyun), Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), and Rhyme Meeting (Yunhui), it is pronounced zhuo. According to the Correct Rhymes (Zhengyun), it is pronounced zhuo. The pronunciation is the same as the word meaning to grasp. Explained in the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi) as to cut off. The Book of Documents (Shangshu), in the Oath at Tai (Taishi), records: He cut off the legs of those crossing the river in the morning. The commentary explains this as cutting off in order to inspect them. The sub-commentary explains that the word means to hack or chop. The Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji), in the Biography of Lu Zhonglian, records: If the Qi forces arrived late, they were to be executed. The commentary explains that those who deceive the three armies are to be executed according to military law. Also, the Songs of Chu (Chuci), in the Seven Remonstrances (Qijian), records: Both feet completely severed. The commentary explains that the word means to cut off. Also, the Approaches to Language (Erya), in the Explaining Implements (Shiqi) chapter, records: As for fish, one scales them. The commentary explains that the word means to scrape off fish scales. According to the Wide Rhyme (Guangyun) and Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), it is pronounced zhuo. According to the Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), it is pronounced shuo. The meanings are the same.