sixth principle of the Eight Principles of Yong; tapering thinning curve
Technical term in East Asian calligraphy, referring to a concave leftward stroke that tapers to a thin point. Part of the 永字八法 (Eight Principles of the Character 永).
See also: 永字八法
The sixth principle of the Eight Principles of Yong is called '掠', referring to a leftward sweeping stroke that becomes thinner.
pillage; plunder
pillaging and setting fire to
stealing; looting; plundering
privateer; corsair
letter of marque
The character 掠 originally means 'to plunder' or 'to graze', but in calligraphy it is a technical term for a specific stroke shape. The derivation of this calligraphic sense is uncertain.