Chen Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Tree (mù). Kangxi stroke count: 5. Page 509, Entry 11. Tang Rhymes (Tangyun), Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), Dictionary of Rhymes (Yunhui), and Orthodox Rhymes (Zhengyun) state the pronunciation is zha (level tone). Shuowen Jiezi states: A wooden tablet. Xu Shen comments: It is a tablet made of wood. Erya, Commentary on Utensils (Er ya shi qi shu) notes: In ancient times, before the existence of paper, writing was done on wooden slips, which were called zha. Doctrine of the Mean (Zhongyong), Commentary on Square Strategies (Fang ce zhu) notes: Zha, die, and bi are different names for the same category of objects. Zha refers to a thin, small wooden slip. Explanation of Names (Shiming) states: Zha resembles a comb; when bound together, they are arranged like the teeth of a comb. History of the Former Han (Qianhan), Biography of Sima Xiangru: Sima Xiangru requested to compose a rhapsody on hunting for the Emperor, and the Emperor ordered the Secretariat to provide brushes and wooden slips. It also refers to armor plates. Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), 16th Year of Duke Cheng: Yang Youji crouched on his armor and shot, piercing through seven armor plates. It also refers to premature death, called zha. Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), 4th Year of Duke Zhao: The common people did not suffer from premature death. Explanation of Names (Shiming) also notes: An oar used to row through water is called zha because its shape resembles a wooden slip. Collected Rhymes (Jiyun) notes: Pronounced ya (glottal stop tone). Meaning to repay. Also, in rhyme with the verse, pronounced zhi (entering tone). Nineteen Old Poems: A guest comes from afar, and presents me with a letter. Above it speaks of long-lasting longing; below it speaks of long-lasting separation. Orthodox Errors (Zheng e) states: The popular form written as zha is incorrect. Textual Research: Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), 16th Year of Duke Cheng: Yang Youji crouched on armor and shot, piercing through seven plates. According to the original text, the word for pierce has been corrected to che. Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), 4th Year of Duke Zhao: The people did not suffer from premature death. According to the original text, the year has been corrected from the 2nd year to the 4th year.