also: かと
lower world; this world; the earth
Archaic term contrasting with 上天 (the heavens). Refers to the earthly realm, the world below, or the mundane world. Not used in modern everyday speech.
See also: 上天
In old texts, the heavens and the lower world are sometimes spoken of in contrast.
Alternate reading かと; equally rare and archaic.
The exact derivation is uncertain; the spelling 下土 literally means 'lower earth' and is conventionally associated with the earthly realm in contrast to the heavens.