臬
target; standard; law
Meanings
3 senses · 7 examplesnoun
target for archery; bullseye
archaicA classical term for the target in archery.
He aimed at the target and shot an arrow.
In ancient times, one must first set up a target to practice archery.
noun
gnomon; sundial pole (for measuring shadows)
archaicAn ancient instrument used in astronomy and timekeeping to measure the sun's shadow.
The ancients set up a gnomon to measure the sun's shadow and determine the solar terms.
By observing the length of the gnomon's shadow, one could tell the time.
noun
law; standard; criterion; norm
literaryUsed in classical texts to refer to laws, regulations, or moral standards. The concept extends from a physical target or measuring standard to an abstract one.
To act without transgressing the rules is to uphold the standard.
This is the law of the land and must not be lightly abolished.
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Officials should take integrity as their standard.