隶 (lì)

variant of 隸|隶[li4]

Etymology

Depicts a hand (又) grabbing a tail (尾) from behind. Based on the original meaning "catch from behind", now written as 逮. Also used as the simplified form of 隸.

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》:“隶,及也。从又,从省。又持者,从後及之也。”

Original meaning

catch from behind

Components