Definition
伯 (bǎi) is an archaic bound form used interchangeably with 霸 (bà) in classical Chinese texts, meaning 'hegemon' or 'overlord'. You will mostly encounter it in historical references such as 伯王 (bǎi wáng, 'overlord') or the 春秋五伯 (Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period). In modern Mandarin it is rarely used in this sense and has been largely replaced by 霸.
b.f.
(archaic) variant of 霸 (bà)hegemon or overlord
Examples
- 伯桓。Chūnqiū wǔ bǎi zhī yī Qí Huán Gōng.Duke Huan of Qi was one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period.
- 伯。Gǔdài wénxiàn zhōng bǎi yǔ bà tōngyòng.In ancient texts, this character and 霸 were used interchangeably.
- 伯，。Tā xiàofǎng Chūnqiū wǔ bǎi, chēngbà yī fāng.He emulated the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn period and dominated the region.
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