Skip to content
Kotomora

縅

the thread/braid (of armour), (kokuji)

Strokes15

Readings

On'yomi

—

Kun'yomi

  • おど.す

Meaning

縅 centers on the braided thread or cord used to lace together the plates of traditional Japanese armor. It is a kokuji created in Japan for this specific armor-making context.

Most common words using 縅

  • 緋縅ひおどし

    scarlet bindings used with a traditional Japanese suit of armor

  • 縅おどし

    leather strap binding the plates of traditional Japanese armor (armour)

  • 藍革縅あいかわおどし

    stitching together armor with indigo-dyed leather; armor stitched together with indigo-dyed leather

Explore all words using 縅 →

Study

Etymology

縅 is a kokuji (Japanese-made kanji) combining 糸 (thread) with 威 (authority, dignity), likely chosen for its sound and the imposing appearance of laced armor. The exact historical reasoning is uncertain.

Meaning mnemonic

The left side 糸 is thread, and the right side 威 suggests something imposing. Picture the strong, dignified thread that holds a warrior's armor together: 縅 is the braid that gives the armor its structure.

Reading mnemonic

For おど, imagine the braided thread odoriko (踊り子, dancer) weaving through the armor plates: odoriko -> おど, and the thread dances through the lacing.