investigate a crime
鞫 centers on the act of thoroughly investigating a crime, especially through questioning or interrogation.
鞫 combines 革 (leather) with 訇, which likely contributes the sound and relates to questioning or interrogation. The exact historical development is uncertain.
The left side 革 suggests leather, perhaps used in restraints or official documents. The right side 訇 contains 言 (words) inside an enclosure, like questioning someone in a confined space. Picture a leather-bound interrogation room where a crime is investigated.
For キク, imagine a detective named Kiku investigating a crime: Kiku -> キク, and she questions the suspect thoroughly.
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