Shen Collection, Lower Volume Radical: Clothing (yī) Character: Qian Kangxi Strokes: 16 Page 1122, Entry 32 Tang Rhymes (Tangyun): Pronounced qian (level tone). Collected Rhymes (Jiyun), Rhyme Meetings (Yunhui): Pronounced qian (level tone). Explanation from Analytical Dictionary of Characters (Shuowen): Trousers. Commentary in Zuo Tradition (Zuozhuan), Year 25 of Duke Zhao: The Duke was at Qianhou, summoning for trousers and short garments. Also means to lift up. Book of Odes (Shijing), Zheng Airs: If you care and think of me, lift your skirts to wade across the Zhen River. Book of Rites (Liji), Summary of Rules: In hot weather, do not lift your skirts. Also found in Sima Xiangru, Rhapsody on Sir Vacuous (Zixu Fu): Pleated and gathered garments. Annotation: To draw back or contract. According to Categorized Compilation (Leipian): Pronounced jian (rising tone). Also pronounced jian (rising tone). The meaning is the same. Sometimes written in a variant form.