Wei Collection, Middle Volume. Radical: Silk (mì). Kangxi stroke count: 23. Page 943, Entry 29. Guangyun: Pronounced xian (level tone). Jiyun, Yunhui, Zhengyun: Pronounced xian (level tone). Shuowen: Fine or delicate. Yangzi Fangyan: Xian means small. Fine silk fabric is called xian. Book of Documents (Shujing): Their baskets contained fine white silk. Commentary: Xian means fine. Chu Ci: Clad in patterned garments and fine silks. Commentary: Xian refers to light, transparent gauze. Also, Book of Rites (Liji): After the period of mourning, wear fine cloth. Commentary: Black warp and white weft threads are called xian. Book of Han (Hanshu): After seven days of mourning, remove the clothes. Commentary: Xian refers to clothing made of fine cloth. Also, Rites of Zhou (Zhouli): Look at the spokes; they should be tapered and fine. Commentary: Tapered and fine describes a shrinking or small appearance. Also, Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji): Flying ribbons and hanging pendants. Commentary: Xian refers to decorations on long robes. Also, Records of the Grand Historian (Shiji): The people of Zhou are already xian. Commentary: Xian means frugal or stingy. Also, Jiyun, Yunhui: Pronounced jian (level tone). Book of Rites (Liji): Their crimes are then cut short. Commentary: Xian is read as jian. Jian means to stab or cut. Also, Yunhui: Pronounced xian (level tone). Interchangeable with xian. Book of Han (Hanshu): Extremely minute and detailed. Commentary: Shigu says: Xian is the same as xian.