考 (kǎo)

to beat; to hit; variant of 考[kao3]; to inspect; to test; to take an e

Etymology

Depicts an old man (耂) with a cane (丂). Originally the same character as 老. Based on the original meaning "old father". The current meaning is a phonetic loan.

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》:“考,老也。从老省,丂聲。”

Original meaning

old father

Components