ancient tally; credential
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
1 sense · 3 examplesnoun
ancient tally or credential used as proof of authority, split into two matching halves
archaicHistorically used in China from pre-Qin to Han dynasties. Made of bamboo, wood, jade, or bronze. One half was kept at the court, the other given to generals or envoys. When combined, the two halves had to match perfectly to verify authenticity and authorize military action.
Jiāng将
jūn军
shǒu手
chí持
fú符
jié节
，
dài代
biǎo表
huáng皇
dì帝
zhǐ指
huī挥
jūn军
duì队
。
The general held the imperial tally, representing the emperor's authority to command the army.
Zhè这
jiàn件
tóng铜
fú符
jié节
shì是
Hàn汉
dài代
de的
zhòng重
yào要
wén文
wù物
。
This bronze tally is an important cultural relic from the Han Dynasty.
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Shǐ使
zhě者
píng凭
jiè借
fú符
jié节
kě可
yǐ以
diào调
dòng动
dì地
fāng方
jūn军
duì队
。
Envoys could mobilize local troops by presenting the imperial credential.