noun
shrine of the highest rank in the Engi-Shiki
Historical term for a shrine listed in the Engi-Shiki (延喜式) as a 名神大社, the highest rank among registered shrines. Used in historical, religious, and academic contexts.
See also: 延喜式 (えんぎしき)
鹿島神宮は名神大社の一つである。
Kashima Shrine is one of the Myōjin Taisha.
延喜式に記載された名神大社は全国に約二百社ある。
There are about two hundred Myōjin Taisha listed in the Engi-Shiki nationwide.
Compound of 名神 (myōjin, 'renowned deity') and 大社 (taisha, 'grand shrine'). The term originates from the Engi-Shiki classification system.