noun
handed-down book; book of secrets
Refers to a book or scroll passed down through generations, often containing secret or esoteric knowledge. Common in historical or martial arts contexts.
この流派には古い伝書が残っている。
An old book of secrets has been preserved in this school.
noun
delivering a letter
Used in compounds like 伝書鳩 (carrier pigeon). Rarely used alone in modern Japanese; the verbal phrase 手紙を届ける is more common.
伝書鳩は遠くまで手紙を運ぶことができる。
Carrier pigeons can carry letters over long distances.
Compound meaning 'carrier pigeon', the most common modern use of 伝書 in the 'delivering a letter' sense.
Compound of 伝 (transmit) and 書 (writing/document). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word has been used since classical times for both inherited texts and letter delivery.