Chen Collection, Middle Volume Radical: Tree (mù) Kangxi strokes: 14 Page 544, Entry 19 Pronounced zhi (level tone) According to the Explaining Graphs and Analyzing Characters (Shuowen Jiezi), it refers to the foundation stone of a pillar; in ancient times, it was made of wood, but today it is made of stone. Xu Xuan annotates this as the base at the bottom of a pillar. According to the Literary Interpretations (Shier), a component of the Erya (Erya), it means a pillar. Guo Pu annotates this as pillars that support one another. Also, in the History of the Former Han (Qian Hanshu), in the Biography of Xiang Yu, the term zhiwu (supporting and bracing) is also written as zhiwu. Also, in the Book of Changes (Yijing), regarding the top sixth line of the Heng hexagram, it says to shake and persist, which is inauspicious. The Shuowen Jiezi writes this as zhiheng. The specific meaning is unclear. Verification: The Erya, section on explaining teachings (Shixun), states that zhi means a pillar. Note that the original text has been corrected to refer to the section on explaining words (Shiyan) rather than explaining teachings.