The nine major philosophical schools of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, such as 儒家rújiā, 道家dàojiā, and 墨家mòjiā; also used generally for all academic or social groups.
many tributaries
The many branches or tributaries of a large river.
social strata
The various social groups or professions in traditional Chinese society, often categorized into upper, middle, and lower levels; usually used in the context of the various trades and professions
