Combined from Dot [丶] + Wrap [勹] + Small [小] + Short thread [幺] + Thread / Silk [糸] to compose 約: represents "approximately".
agreement, rules, code
to economize, to skimp, to save
to reserve, to book
to promise
thrift, economy, frugality
to contract, to make a contract with
treaty, pact
limitation, restriction, condition, constraints
contract, compact, agreement
engagement, betrothal
economising, saving
approximately, about, some
promise
reservation