noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
Historical term for formally reporting a matter to the Emperor, typically in an imperial court context. Rare in modern usage outside historical or period settings.
家臣が戦の結果を帝に奏聞した。
The retainer reported the battle results to the Emperor.
上奏 is a broader term for reporting to the throne, while 奏聞 specifically emphasizes the act of making the report heard by the Emperor.
Compound of 奏 (report to the throne) and 聞 (hear), referring to the act of having one's report heard by the Emperor. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.