acting shugo; deputy military governor
Historical term for a deputy who acted on behalf of a shugo (military governor) during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. Often used in contexts discussing medieval Japanese governance.
See also: 守護
The deputy military governor governed the province in the absence of the shugo.
During the Warring States period, deputy military governors sometimes held real power.
Formed from 守護 “military governor” and 代 “deputy.” 守護代 were local deputies appointed by 守護 and became especially important during the Muromachi period.