宰衡
Chinese
slaughter; butcher; govern slaughter; butcher; govern; rule; official |
to weigh; weight; measure | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| simp. and trad. (宰衡) |
宰 | 衡 | |
Etymology
Likely coined by Wang Mang 4 CE as one of the titles he manipulated the Han imperial court to bestow upon himself. The Book of Han implies that the title derives from 太宰, a title of the Duke of Zhou, and 阿衡, variously interpreted as a title, styled name, or personal name of Yi Yin. As a compound, it carries the notation of "to rule; to arbitrate; to make decisions".
Pronunciation
Noun
宰衡
- (literary and archaic, sometimes derogatory) political heavyweight; grandee; a great officer of the state
- 宰衡以干戈為兒戲，縉紳以清談為廟略。 [Classical Chinese, trad.]
- From: c. 578, Yu Xin (庾信), The Lament for the South (《哀江南賦》)
- Zǎihéng yǐ gāngē wéi érxì, jìnshēn yǐ qīngtán wéi miàolüè. [Pinyin]
- The powerful toyed with dangers of war;
The elite played statesmen with empty words.
宰衡以干戈为儿戏，缙绅以清谈为庙略。 [Classical Chinese, simp.]
Usage notes
Due to its association with Wang Mang, it is sometimes used to express veiled or open disgust.
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