This rare kanji has no clear standalone meaning. Treat its meaning as uncertain.
The exact historical development is uncertain. The modern form visually contains elements such as 西 and 王, but their roles are unclear.
The shape combines 西 (west) and 王 (king) with other strokes, but no clear meaning emerges. Think of it as a mysterious symbol.
For ほとけ, the reading is the same as 仏 (ほとけ, Buddha). Imagine this rare kanji as an alternate, elaborate way to write 'Buddha'.
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