耒

A primitive agricultural digging tool, such as an ard or heavy digging stick/hoe used for scratching and breaking soil. The term may refer to the tool in its entirety or specifically to the leverage-handle.

Primarily a noun. In sparse early prose, it may function verbally ("to use the plow"), though it should generally be treated as an object unless syntax explicitly demands a verbal reading.

Distinguish from 犁 (lí). 耒 refers to older, simpler technology used for scratching the surface of the earth; 犁 refers to a more advanced plow capable of turning the soil, typically associated with the introduction of iron shares.

U+4F86 is a recognized semantic variant that does not alter the meaning.

As Radical 127, this glyph serves as a semantic marker for agricultural labor or soil-work (e.g., in 耕).

Avoid modern connotations of a moldboard plow; in early contexts, the tool is an ard or digging stick rather than an implement that turns the soil over.