In oracle bone script, 传 
= 
(人 a man) + 
(专, a hand holding a weaving spindle), suggesting the action of turning over or exchange.
In some bronze script versions of, 
辵 (as we know 辵 represents walking) is added to emphasize the post-chaise travels all over many places.
The original meaning of 传 is post-chaise or stagecoach. Its meaning is extended to:
传 chuán
1. verb.（交给）pass, e.g. 传给后代 hand down for posterity; 把球传给边锋 pass the ball to the wing; 优良传统代代相传 pass down fine traditions from generation to generation
2.（传授）pass on, e.g. 把手艺传给徒弟 pass on one’s skills to an apprentice
3. verb.（散布）spread; e.g. 传口信 pass on a message; 传谣 spread rumours;坏事传千里 Bad news travels fast; 这件事不能传出去 This affair must be hushed up.
4. verb（传唤）summon, e.g. 传被告/证人 summon a defendant/witness; 传某人到庭作证 call sb. to testify
5. verb, (表达) convey
6. verb（传导）transmit, e.g. 传热 conduct heat 一股暖流传遍他全身。A feeling of warmth ran through his body.
7. verb（传染）infect
传 zhuàn
1. commentaries on the classics, e.g. 经传 Confucian classics and commentaries; 《左传》The Zuo Commentary (on The Spring and Autumn Annals)
2. biography, e.g. 《林肯传》The Life of Lincoln; 名人传 biographies of famous people
3. story (usually used in titles), e.g.《白蛇传》The Story of the White Snake; 《水浒传》The Water Margin/Outlaws of the Marsh