庶 (shù)

(bound form) ordinary; numerous; (bound form) pertaining to a concubin

Etymology

Depicts a stone pot (石) over a fire (灬). Based on the original meaning "to cook; boil", now written as 煮. The current meaning is a phonetic loan.

Shuowen Jiezi

《說文》:“庶,屋下眾也。从广、炗。炗,古文光字。”

Original meaning

to cook; boil

Components