鑕 (zhì) - Anvil — a heavy iron block used by & historically also refers to an executioner's block used

鑕Tone 4

zhì ｜ 23 strokes ｜ radical:

志

鑕 · zhì

Anvil — a heavy iron block used by blacksmiths as a surface for hammering and shaping metal;

historically also refers to an executioner's block used for beheadings.

Anvil — a heavy iron block used byhistorically also refers to an executioner's block used

Usage highlights

Iron anvilExecutioner's blockSubmit to executionAnvil and hammerMetalworking anvilChopping block

Synonyms

  • 砧— anvil; chopping block
  • 铁砧— iron anvil

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The blacksmith hammered the red-hot iron on the anvil (铁鑕).
  • In ancient times, executions were carried out using a chopping block (斧鑕).
  • The executioner prepared the block for the condemned prisoner (伏鑕).

Collocations

  • Iron anvil(铁鑕)
  • Executioner's block(斧鑕)
  • Submit to execution(伏鑕)
  • Anvil and hammer(鑕锤)
  • Metalworking anvil(金鑕)
  • Chopping block(斩鑕)

Idioms

  • Submit willingly to punishment(伏斧质)
  • Execution by beheading(斧鑕之诛)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, 鑕 referred specifically to the wooden base used in executions where the condemned would place their head to be beheaded.
  • The character appears in classical texts describing punishments and legal procedures during imperial times.
  • In metallurgy, it represents the fundamental tool of blacksmithing, symbolizing craftsmanship and transformation.

FAQ