契约桥牌

• 糹(thread; silk thread)RADICAL
• 勺(spoon; scoop)PHONO-SEMANTIC

Using a thread to tie things together like scooping water suggests the idea of binding, restraint, and covenant.

• 木(tree; wood)RADICAL
• 乔(tall; curved)PHONETIC

A wooden tree reaching high across the river forms a bridge.

• 片(wood chip; flat board)RADICAL
• 卑(low; base; mean)PHONO-SEMANTIC

A signboard is a flat piece of wood inscribed with the name of a lowly person presented to a superior.