also: ししょう
noun
the four Hindu castes
Refers to the four traditional varnas in Hinduism: Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, and Shudra. Used in discussions of Indian society and religion.
インドの歴史では、四姓の制度が社会を大きく規定していた。
In Indian history, the four-caste system greatly defined society.
noun
the four great families of the Heian period
Specifically refers to the Minamoto, Taira, Fujiwara, and Tachibana clans that dominated the Heian period aristocracy. Historical term.
平安時代の四姓といえば、源平藤橘を指す。
The four great families of the Heian period refer to the Minamoto, Taira, Fujiwara, and Tachibana clans.
From 四 (four) + 姓 (family name, clan). The term is used in two distinct historical contexts: the four Hindu castes and the four powerful Heian-period clans.