Glossary
Boy, a term used by foreigners in China to denote the head-servant, irrespective of his age.
Cash, Chinese copper coin with a square hole for stringing. The value of a single cash may be taken as one-thousandth of a Mexican dollar. The cash vary greatly in size. A “string” theoretically consists of a thousand cash, but in many regions has but five hundred. The latter variety is at present equal to one-third of a gold dollar.
Catty, a Chinese pound, equal by treaty to one and one-third pounds avoirdupois.
Chin-shih, “Entered Scholar.” The third literary degree; Doctor in Literature.
Chou, a Sub-prefecture, sometimes with Districts under it, and often without them.
Chü-Jên, “Selected man.” The second full literary degree; a Master of Arts.
Compound, an enclosure or yard, usually containing a number of buildings belonging to a single family or establishment.
Fêng-shui, literally “wind and water.” A complicated system of geomantic superstition, by which the good luck of sites and buildings is determined.
Fu, a Prefecture, governed by a Prefect, with several Districts under it.
Han-lin, “Forest of Pencils.” The last literary degree, entitling to office.
Hsien, a District or Country, governed by the District Magistrate.
Hsiu-ts‘ai, “Flourishing Talent.” The lowest of the several literary degrees; a Bachelor of Arts.
K‘ang, a raised platform of adobe or of bricks, used as a bed and heated by means of flues.
K‘o-t‘ou or Kotow, the act of prostration and striking the head on the ground in homage or worship.
Li, a Chinese measure of length, somewhat more than three of which equal an English mile.
Squeeze, a forced contribution exacted by those through whose hands the money of others passes.
Tæl, a weight of money equivalent to a sixteenth of a Chinese pound; an ounce.
Tao-T‘ai, an officer of the third rank who is intendant of a circuit.
Ya-mên, the office and residence of a Chinese official.