1An archaic abbreviation used to refer to Mexico (墨西哥 / México). Appears in older texts or headings.
古い外交文書で『墨』とあれば、当時は墨西哥（メキシコ）を指すことがある。
If older diplomatic documents say '墨', they may refer to Mexico.
2Rare usage referring to Mohism (the ancient Chinese philosophical school) or its adherents.
古代思想を論じる論文で、儒と墨（ぼく）の対比が行われている。
A paper on ancient thought contrasts Confucianism and Mohism (boku).
3Archaic reading for 'ink' (sumi), the black pigment used in brush writing and painting.
和歌に『墨』とある場合、現代語の『すみ（墨）』を指していることが多い。
When '墨' appears in waka poetry, it often refers to modern 'sumi' (ink).
4A historical/abbreviated term referring to tattooing used as punishment in ancient China (e.g., the penalty of branding or tattooing).
史書には罪人に墨を施す墨刑（ぼく）についての記述が残っている。
Historical records contain descriptions of the punishment of tattooing (boku) applied to criminals.