斗

• Measurement: A ladle, scoop, or dipper. As a unit of volume (the //dǒu//), it is nominally ten //shēng//, though actual volume varied by dynasty. In administrative, legal, or taxation contexts, this refers to a state-sanctioned standard. Frequently associated with grain, harvest, and storage.
• Astronomy: The Big Dipper (//Běidǒu// 北斗) and the 8th lunar mansion (determinative star φ Sagittarii). It represents the celestial pivot used for orientation and timekeeping; in divinatory or cosmological texts, it may symbolize fate, cosmic order, or a "celestial governor."

• As "Measure/Dipper": Functions as a noun.
• As "Fight" (Loan): Functions as either a verb of action or a noun denoting a struggle.

There is a frequent functional collapse between 斗 (measure/dipper) and 鬥 (to fight/struggle). In many pre-modern layers of the language, these are interchangeable.

If the context does not involve grain or astronomy, treat the glyph as a loan for "contention," "conflict," or "struggle." This includes physical combat, political maneuvering, and intellectual debate.