麈 (zhǔ) - Elk & ancient term for a type of deer

麈Tone 3

zhǔ ｜ 16 strokes ｜ radical:

志

麈 · zhǔ

Elk;

ancient term for a type of deer;

also refers to a duster made from elk tail hairs, used by scholars in ancient China during discussions.

Elkancient term for a type of deeralso refers to a duster made from elk

Usage highlights

elkwaving the dusterduster discussionjade dusterdiscussion with dusterduster of wisdom

Synonyms

  • 鹿— deer (general term)
  • 拂尘— duster (more common term)

Usage & contexts

Examples

  • The ancient scholar held an elk-tail duster (麈尾).
  • They discussed philosophy while waving their dusters (挥麈).
  • This painting depicts an elk (麈) in a forest.
  • The debate was intense, with dusters flying (麈谈).

Collocations

  • elk-tail duster(麈尾)
  • waving the duster(挥麈)
  • duster discussion(麈谈)
  • jade duster(玉麈)
  • discussion with duster(麈论)
  • duster of wisdom(慧麈)

Idioms

  • Waving the duster in discussion(挥麈而谈)
  • The duster breaks through confusion(麈破迷津)
  • Elk-tail clears the mind(麈尾清心)

Cultural background

FAQ
  • In ancient China, scholars and debaters used elk-tail dusters (麈尾) during philosophical discussions.
  • The character appears in classical texts describing scholarly gatherings and Buddhist debates.
  • Possessing a fine elk-tail duster was a mark of scholarly status and refinement.

FAQ