noun
Archaic term for a brothel; now replaced by words like 妓楼, 女郎屋, or 娼家. Found in historical or literary contexts.
江戸時代の娼楼は吉原に集中していた。
In the Edo period, brothels were concentrated in Yoshiwara.
Compound of 娼 (prostitute) and 楼 (tall building, often used for establishments). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term follows a common pattern for naming pleasure quarters.