荫
to shelter; to protect; patronage
Meanings
3 senses · 15 examplesadjective
shady; dark and damp (lacking sunlight)
informalColloquial usage describing a place that is dark, cool, and often damp.
The south room is too shady and damp; sit here instead.
The basement is very damp and dark; pay attention to ventilation.
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This patch of land is too shady; the crops won't grow well.
The room faces north, so it is cool and shady all year round.
Quilts should be taken out to sun often, otherwise they get moldy from dampness.
verb
to shield; to protect; to give shelter
literaryLiterary usage, often referring to ancestors protecting descendants or trees covering the ground.
The merits of the ancestors protect the descendants of later generations.
The great tree shelters the village in the distance.
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He lived a very comfortable life under the protection of his father.
The dense forest shelters the small animals.
This ancient temple once sheltered the people of this region.
noun
privilege granted to descendants of officials (feudal)
archaicRefers to the hereditary privilege system in imperial China where sons of officials could get government posts without exams.
In ancient times, the children of officials enjoyed the privilege of entering school, known as 'Yinsheng'.
He entered the officialdom relying on his father's privilege.
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The imperial court abolished the hereditary privilege system.
Because his ancestors had merit, he received a hereditary title.
Honoring one's wife and benefiting one's sons was the dream of ancient scholars.