绂
silk ribbon for seal; ceremonial garment pattern
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesnoun
silk ribbon for attaching an official seal
archaicA specific term for the silk cord used to fasten the official seal to the belt of a government officer in ancient China, symbolizing authority.
In ancient times, officials often attached their seals to their waist with a silk ribbon.
To 'unfasten the seal ribbon and return to the fields' means to resign from an official post.
noun
(literary) same as 黻 (fú); a black and blue pattern on ceremonial garments
literaryAn archaic literary variant used specifically in classical texts to refer to a symbolic pattern (often a 'broken axe' or geometric shape) embroidered on the ceremonial robes of high-ranking officials, signifying rank and dignity.
In classical texts, '绂' and '黻' are used interchangeably, both referring to the patterns on ceremonial robes.
'Red robes and purple ceremonial patterns' describes high-ranking and eminent officials.