power, authority, weigh

權 is composed of 木 (wood) and 雚 (water bird). 雚 is a pictograph depicting a water bird with long legs and neck, and excellent eyesight capable of making accurate judgments about its surroundings. Thus, 權 originally refers to a wooden weight or counterpoise on a scale, extending to mean measurement or weighing. Additionally, the ability to make fair judgments naturally earns the support of the masses, so 權 also means power or authority.