female entertainer, prostitute

妓 is composed of 女 (woman) and 支 (branch, support). 支 is a pictograph of a hand holding a bamboo branch, meaning support or assistance, and as only those with ability can help others, it also extends to mean skill or talent. In ancient times, a woman’s primary role was as a homemaker, but to achieve independence, she needed skills in song and dance to entertain guests, thus represented by 妓 for such women.