定鼎
bronze tripod; symbol of power; to establish a dynasty
Meanings
4 senses · 8 examplesnoun
bronze tripod (ritual vessel)
literaryAn important ritual vessel in ancient China, often associated with state power and legitimacy.
The bronze tripods from the Shang and Zhou periods are important cultural relics.
The patterns on this tripod are extremely exquisite.
noun
symbol of state power and legitimacy
literaryDerived from the legend that Yu the Great cast nine tripods which became the sacred symbols of imperial authority.
The Nine Tripods symbolize the Mandate of Heaven.
The ambition to 'inquire about the tripods' is the ambition to seize the realm.
verb
to establish a capital; to found a dynasty
literaryDerived from the phrase '定鼎'. It specifically refers to the act of establishing a capital city, which is symbolic of founding a new dynasty or regime.
King Wu of Zhou established his capital at Haojing.
At the beginning of the dynasty's establishment, all things needed to be rebuilt.
adj
powerful; prosperous; flourishing
literaryUsed in fixed literary compounds, derived from the imposing presence of the tripod.
heyday; golden age
very famous; renowned