noun
lower official; petty official
Historical term for a low-ranking government official or clerk, especially in pre-modern bureaucratic systems. Not used in modern administrative contexts.
江戸時代、下吏は町奉行所で雑務を担当した。
In the Edo period, lower officials handled miscellaneous duties at the town magistrate's office.
Composed of 下 (lower) and 吏 (official). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term has been used since classical times to denote subordinate officials.