コウ

marquis, lord, daimyo

JLPT1 G7 S9 F2363

The relevant seal inscription form replaces the top element of the oracle bone form of (target) with a person, indicating a marksman hitting a lumpy target with an arrow → *lord*; *marquis* (← persons of rank at court ← meritorious soldiers). is a later form, adding person for emphasis/clarity.

[Full Kanji Etymology List]