will of a superior; decree; emperor's wishes
Historical term referring to the will or decree of a shogun, emperor, or other high authority. In modern contexts, it can be used metaphorically or in formal writing to mean 'orders from above'.
Disobeying the shogun's decree was not permitted.
In a top-down organization, voices from the front line are hard to convey.
execution on a feudal lord's command
「上」 (superior) + 「意」 (will, intention). The term originates from feudal Japan, where it referred specifically to the will of the shogun or emperor.