observant, peaceful, submissive
怗 centers on a calm, attentive state: being observant and peaceful, which naturally extends to a submissive or compliant attitude.
怗 combines the heart radical 忄 with 占, which likely contributes the sound. The exact historical development is uncertain, but the character is associated with mental states of calmness and observation.
The heart 忄 beside 占 (which can suggest occupying or observing) gives the image of a heart that calmly watches and peacefully accepts, leading to a submissive nature.
For チョウ, imagine a peaceful chief named Chou observing his calm domain: Chou -> チョウ, and his heart 忄 stays tranquil like 怗.