五ご更こう

noun

the five night watches; fifth watch of the night (approx. 3am to 5am)

Archaic term from the traditional Chinese timekeeping system, dividing the night into five two-hour watches. The fifth watch corresponds roughly to 3am–5am. Used in historical or literary contexts.

• 五ご更こうは夜よ明あけ前まえの最もっとも暗くらい時じ間かん帯たいを指さす。

  五更 refers to the darkest period just before dawn.

• 古こ典てん文ぶん学がくでは、五ご更こうの鐘かねが鳴なる場ば面めんがよく出でてくる。

  In classical literature, scenes where the bell of the fifth watch rings are common.