衛
エイ, エ, もり, い, まもる

defense, protection

JLPT1 G5 S16 F400

The relevant bronzeware inscription form shows four feet circulating about a particular spot. A seal inscription form reduces the number of feet to two, adds four marks around the perimeter, and appends 帀# circulate → *protect/defend* a site by patrolling the perimeter. The present form combines 行 go with 韋# (go around).

[Full Kanji Etymology List]