儀

The glyph denotes "form" in the sense of a prescribed standard—whether social, physical, or mathematical—and refers to the outward manifestation of a rule or model. Its semantic range includes:

• Ritual and Protocol: The specific procedure, choreography, or formal requirements of a rite.
• Bearing and Appearance: A person’s demeanor, carriage, or general presence, specifically regarding whether such appearance is appropriate to their status or occasion.
• Instruments and Standards: Measuring tools, gauges, or devices (particularly in technical, scientific, or astronomical contexts) that serve as the physical embodiment of a standard.
• Models and Exemplars: A template for imitation or an object of admiration.

• Noun (Primary): The ceremony, instrument, or demeanor.
• Attributive: Describing something as formal, ceremonial, or conducted according to protocol.
• Verb (Rare): To model oneself after; to treat someone according to a specific protocol.

• vs 禮 (lǐ): While 禮 often denotes the overarching system of propriety or the moral imperative, 儀 focuses on the performance—the "how" and the sequence of actions.
• vs 式 (shì): Both involve "form," but 式 tends toward the pattern, formula, or style; 儀 leans toward ceremonial execution or physical manifestation.
• vs 模 (mó): While both can mean "model," 模 typically refers to a literal mold or cast from which something is produced.

• Simplified variant: 仪 (U+4EEA).
• Fanqie reading: 魚羈.
• Tang-period reading: ngyɛ.