鉞 (yuè) - Yue — a type of ancient Chinese battle-axe

鉞Tone 4

yuè ｜ 13 strokes ｜ radical:

悦丈

鉞 · yuè

Yue — a type of ancient Chinese battle-axe or ceremonial weapon, often with a large, broad blade on a long handle, used as a symbol of military authority.

Yue — a type of ancient Chinese battle-axe

Usage highlights

BattleCeremonial axeAxe and yueGolden yueJade yueCommander's yue

Synonyms

  • 斧— axe (general term)
  • 战斧— battle-axe

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The general wielded a ceremonial axe (鉞) during the ritual.
  • This bronze weapon is a yue (青铜鉞).
  • Military authority was symbolized by the yue (斧鉞).
  • Archaeologists discovered a royal yue in the tomb (王鉞).

Collocations

  • Battle-axe(战鉞)
  • Ceremonial axe(礼鉞)
  • Axe and yue(斧鉞)
  • Golden yue(金鉞)
  • Jade yue(玉鉞)
  • Commander's yue(帅鉞)

Idioms

  • To wield the yue of punishment(执鉞)
  • The authority of the axe and yue(斧鉞之威)
  • To be executed by the yue(受鉞)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • The yue was an important ceremonial weapon and symbol of power in ancient China, particularly during the Shang and Zhou dynasties.
  • It was often used in military rituals and represented the authority to execute punishments and command armies.
  • Larger, more ornate yue were associated with high-ranking military leaders and royalty.
  • The character appears in historical texts describing military authority and ceremonial functions.

FAQ