告文こうもん

noun

written report to the gods; imperial edict; written appeal to a superior

Historical term for a formal written communication directed to deities, the emperor, or a higher authority. Not used in modern everyday Japanese.

• 神しん前ぜんに告文こうもんを奉たてまつる。

  Offer a written report to the gods.

• 天皇てんのうの告文こうもんが諸しょ国こくに伝つたえられた。

  The imperial edict was conveyed to the provinces.