noun
emperor's wife and concubines
Archaic term for the collective group of an emperor's consorts, including both the principal wife and concubines. Used in historical contexts.
妃嬪たちは宮中の奥深くで暮らしていた。
The emperor's wives and concubines lived deep within the palace.
noun
emperor's female attendant
Archaic term for a female attendant serving the emperor. Distinct from the consort sense; refers to a court lady rather than a wife or concubine.
その妃嬪は帝の身の回りの世話をしていた。
That female attendant took care of the emperor's personal needs.
The historical derivation is uncertain; the kanji 妃 (princess, consort) and 嬪 (court lady, concubine) are conventionally associated with the meanings.