獵

To hunt land game. The term denotes the process of pursuit—specifically the tracking, flushing, and chasing of prey. In practice, this usually falls into one of three functional categories: subsistence (food), military training (maneuvering and coordination), or royal ritual (displays of sovereignty).

Primarily functions as a transitive verb. When used as a modifier for a person or object, it refers specifically to the pursuit phase of the activity rather than hunting in a general sense.

Distinct from other forms of harvesting or hunting, such as 射 (archery/shooting) or 漁 (fishing). It is further distinguished from 獲 (huò): 獵 focuses on the action and effort of the chase, whereas 獲 focuses on the outcome, capture, or prize.

Tang-period reading: *liɛp. Semantic variant: U+248AA; simplified variant: U+730E.

The presence of the dog radical (犭) reinforces the meaning of pursuit and chasing.

If 獵 is used in a context where "capture" might be expected, the author is likely emphasizing the strategic nature or struggle of the hunt rather than the acquisition. Translators should determine if the activity is subsistence-based, military, or ritual based on the status of the subject and the purpose of the text.