绅
sash; gentry
Meanings
2 senses · 8 examplesnoun
ancient large waist sash worn by scholar-officials
archaicUsed exclusively in classical or historical contexts to describe traditional formal attire accessories for high-ranking scholars and officials.
Ancient Confucian scholars often wore waist sashes to indicate their social status.
The Analects once mentioned the connection between gentlemen and sashes.
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Officials in ancient paintings wore delicate waist sashes.
noun
gentry; gentleman
neutralA shortened and widely used modern term referring to local prominent, well-educated gentry class members, now also used colloquially for polite, well-mannered men.
This local gentry member enthusiastically helped poor households in the village.
Local tyrants and evil gentry in the old era oppressed the people and were hated by them.
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After studying abroad, he became a respected new gentry member.
This gentleman has elegant manners and refined speech.
During the late Qing Dynasty, local gentry played an important role in local governance.