establish a reign title; found a state
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesverb
to establish a reign title; to inaugurate a new era name
archaicIn imperial China, a new emperor would announce a new 'reign title' (年号 niánhào), often following a significant event like the founding of a dynasty or an auspicious omen. This practice began with Emperor Wu of Han.
The first year of the Jianyuan era of Emperor Wu of Han was the first officially used reign title in Chinese history.
Upon ascending the throne, the new emperor's first major task is to establish a reign title.
verb
to found a state; to establish a dynasty
literaryUsed in literary contexts to refer to the act of founding a new country or dynasty. Often interchangeable with '建国' but carries a more historical and ceremonial nuance.
After years of warfare, he finally founded a state and proclaimed himself emperor.
The founding date of this ancient kingdom is already untraceable.