Origin

The character 匹 most likely combines two parts: the box-like enclosure on the sides (匸) that suggests a container or enclosed space, and the legs or person radical (儿) in the middle. This visual idea of something contained or measured within bounds led to meanings of equality or matching—things of equal measure fit together properly. The character then extended to counting small animals and rolls of cloth, since these items were traditionally bundled or contained in standard units. The tight, compact shape of the strokes reflects the idea of things being fitted together snugly.