errand runner; messenger
General term for a person who runs errands or delivers messages. Less common in modern Japanese; 使い走り is the usual modern equivalent.
In merchant houses of the Edo period, an errand runner delivered letters.
messenger; patroller (Azuchi-Momoyama period)
Historical role during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (late 16th century). Served as a messenger or patrol officer.
Low-ranking official in the Edo period (1603–1868), often performing messenger or administrative duties.
During the Azuchi-Momoyama period, the messenger also patrolled the castle town.
The minor official of the Edo shogunate served as a liaison to the feudal lords.
Compound of 使い (messenger, errand) and 番 (watch, duty). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the term appears in records from the Azuchi-Momoyama and Edo periods.