military officer, jailer, old man, rank
尉 centers on an official position of authority or supervision: a military officer, a jailer, or an old man in a rank. The meanings share the idea of a person holding a formal, often supervisory, role.
The origin of 尉 is not fully clear. It may combine 寸 (hand) with a component related to pressing or authority, but the exact historical development is uncertain.
The top 尸 suggests a person, 示 hints at something shown or displayed, and 寸 is a hand. Imagine an old military officer showing his rank with a hand gesture: 尉 is an officer or jailer.
For イ, picture an eagle (イーグル) perched on the officer's shoulder: eagle -> イ, and the eagle represents the officer's keen authority.
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captain (Army, US Marine Corps, USAF); lieutenant (Navy); flight lieutenant (RAF, RAAF, RNZAF, etc.)
first lieutenant; lieutenant junior grade
second lieutenant; sublieutenant; ensign
inspector (third highest of the four administrative ranks of the ritsuryō system)
warrant officer
officer below the rank of major; company officer
captain (JASDF, JGSDF); lieutenant (senior grade; JMSDF)
second lieutenant (JGSDF)
second lieutenant (JGSDF)
chief warrant officer
first lieutenant (JGSDF)
first lieutenant (JGSDF)
warrant officer (JASDF)
lower-grade officer rank (JMSDF)
common redstart (Phoenicurus phoenicurus)
(Self Defense Force's Air Force) captain (defence); lieutenant
air force captain
(Japanese) Darby and Joan
noh mask used for old man roles (usu. black)