mythical beast; prison
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
mythical beast of legend
literaryA creature from Chinese mythology, often depicted with a tiger-like body and a face of a dragon or ox. Its image was traditionally painted on prison gates as a symbol of justice and deterrence.
Bì狴
àn犴
de的
xíng形
xiàng象
wēi威
yán严
，
cháng常
bèi被
huì绘
yú于
gǔ古
láo牢
yù狱
zhī之
mén门
shàng上
。
The image of the Bi'an is majestic and was often painted on the gates of ancient prisons.
Chuán传
shuō说
bì狴
àn犴
shì是
lóng龙
shēng生
jiǔ九
zǐ子
zhī之
yī一
，
xìng性
hǎo好
sòng讼
。
Legend says Bi'an is one of the nine sons of the dragon, with a nature fond of litigation.
noun
prison; jail (metonymy)
literaryA literary metonymy derived from the practice of painting the Bi'an beast on prison gates. Used in classical and formal writing.
Tā他
shēn身
xiàn陷
bì狴
àn犴
，
yǐ已
yǒu有
sān三
zǎi载
。
He has been imprisoned for three years.
Gǔ古
wén文
zhōng中
cháng常
yòng用
“
bì狴
àn犴
”
dài代
zhǐ指
láo牢
yù狱
。
In classical texts, 'Bi'an' is often used to refer to prison.
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Yī一
chū出
bì狴
àn犴
，
tā他
biàn便
chóng重
huò获
zì自
yóu由
。
Upon leaving prison, he regained his freedom.