decline; to wane; ancient execution method
Tone colorsmāmámǎmàma
Meanings
2 senses · 4 examplesverb
to decline; to wane; to decay
literaryA literary/classical term describing gradual decline or weakening, often used for dynasties, fortunes, or power. Note: This sense uses the variant characters 「凌遲」.
Guó国
shì势
líng凌
chí迟
，
nán难
yǐ以
wǎn挽
huí回
。
The nation's power was in decline, and it was difficult to reverse.
Jiā家
zú族
chǎn产
yè业
zhú逐
jiàn渐
líng凌
chí迟
。
The family business gradually declined.
noun
lingchi; death by a thousand cuts
archaicRefers to the historical Chinese method of execution involving dismemberment. It is the primary meaning associated with the characters 「凌迟」. The input indicates this sense is synonymous (同) with the main entry 「凌迟」.
Zài在
gǔ古
dài代
，
fàn犯
xià下
zhòng重
zuì罪
zhě者
kě可
néng能
bèi被
pàn判
líng凌
chí迟
。
In ancient times, those who committed serious crimes could be sentenced to death by lingchi.
Líng凌
chí迟
zhī之
xíng刑
zhí直
zhì至
qīng清
mò末
cái才
bèi被
fèi废
chú除
。
The punishment of lingchi was not abolished until the end of the Qing dynasty.