臼
キュウ, グ, うす, うすづ.く

mortar

JLPT0 G7 S6 F2048

A depiction of a rounded *mortar* → *mortar-shaped object* → *bone socket*. In derivative characters such as 舊/旧 and 舅, 臼 lends the conceptual influence "stooped," the habitual posture used in working a mortar/pestle set in ancient times.

[Full Kanji Etymology List]