the pelican
鴺 refers specifically to the pelican, a large water bird. The meaning is narrow and does not extend to broader bird concepts.
鴺 combines 夷 (which may contribute sound) with 鳥 (bird), forming a character for a specific bird, the pelican. The exact historical development is uncertain.
The left side 夷 looks like a large beak and body, while the right side 鳥 confirms it is a bird. Picture a pelican with its distinctive pouch.
For テイ, imagine a pelican balancing a tea tray on its beak: tea tray -> テイ, and the pelican carries it carefully.
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