compile (a large book); ancient official title
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesverb
to compile; to edit (a large-scale book)
literaryUsed for the systematic compilation and editing of large-scale, often multi-volume or historical, publications. Formal and literary in register.
Scholars are compiling a new comprehensive Chinese dictionary.
Historically, many scholars participated in the compilation of the national history.
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Compiling the 'Complete Library in Four Sections' was a massive cultural project.
noun
ancient official title responsible for compiling national history
archaicA historical bureaucratic title, specific to imperial China. Archaic usage.
The Tang Dynasty established a history bureau, where officials called 'biānzuǎn' were responsible for recording and compiling the national history.
This 'biānzuǎn' official's rank was not high, but his contribution to later historical research was immense.