proper, face

當 is composed of 尚 (esteem, yet) and 田 (field, farm). 尚 is the picture of an ancient court. Field was the most important property of the ancients, so it needed to be distributed carefully, and it was most appropriate for the court to be in charge of the distribution. In addition, to ensure fairness, the court needs to interrogate both parties face to face, so 當 also means to face.