循

A phono-semantic compound:

彳 (to walk slowly; movement) — semantic component

盾 (shield) — phonetic component

The character originally depicted a sentinel or guard moving while holding a shield, walking along a fixed route—for example, circling a city wall to observe enemy movement.

From this concrete image of moving while following a path, the meaning expanded metaphorically to include:

- following rules

- adhering to procedures

- acting in accordance with precedent or order

순환 (循環) — circulation; cycle

순서 (循序) — orderly sequence

순리 (循理) — following natural principles

순행 (循行) — orderly movement

관례를 따르다 (循例) — to follow precedent

규칙을 준수하다 (循規) — to comply with rules

Comparison 循 vs 巡:

循 — following rules, order, principles (focuses on movement according to order)

巡 — patrolling, touring, roaming physically (focuses on movement itself)

Related characters:

巡 — patrol (physical movement)

遵 — obey (rule-following)

復 — return (cyclical action)

環 — ring / cycle (circulation)

循 often carries a moral or rational tone, especially in classical philosophy (Confucianism, Daoism).

The idea of “following what already exists” makes it central to concepts like:

- tradition

- natural law

- procedural justice

The idiom 循序漸進 (“progress step by step”) preserves the character’s original sense very clearly.