續一切經音義 1.97

1.97

Executioner's axes and battle-axes (鈇鉞: the first character has the fanqie 甫于 [fū], and is also pronounced 斧 [fǔ]. The Book of Rites says that feudal lords were bestowed axes and battle-axes before being permitted to execute. Zheng Xuan's commentary says: "Only after obtaining their implements did they dare carry out the deeds." The Shuowen says: "鈇 is a chopper." It is formed from 金 (metal) with 夫 as the phonetic component. The second character has the fanqie 袁厥 [yuè]. Cui Bao's Gujin zhu says: "Feudal lords who obtained the yellow battle-axe were permitted to behead generals holding imperial tallies." The Shuowen states that it is formed from 金 (metal) with 戉 as the phonetic component. The character 戉 is formed from [戉-戈], with the pronunciation 厥 [jué], and 戈. In the sūtra it is written as 戊, which is incorrect; that has the pronunciation 茂 [mào]).