also: うわえ · ほつえ
upper branches of a tree
Refers to the higher branches of a tree, often contrasted with 下枝 (lower branches).
See also: 下枝
A bird is perched on the upper branch.
The leaves on the upper branches are swaying in the wind.
Standard kanji spelling for the reading うわえだ.
Rare abbreviated reading; うわえだ is the usual pronunciation.
Archaic reading ほつえ for the kanji 上枝, used in classical contexts.
Archaic poetic spelling with the reading ほつえ, seen in classical texts.
Compound of 上 (うわ, upper) and 枝 (えだ, branch). The reading ほつえ is an older form.