yodan verb with 'hu/fu' ending (archaic), transitive verb
Archaic honorific verb used to describe the speech of a person of high status, such as an emperor or deity. In modern Japanese, it is only encountered in classical literature or in jocular, exaggerated speech mimicking old-fashioned respectful language. The verb is a yodan verb with the classical ending ふ (modern う).
See also: のたまう
The emperor says, 'Truly, this is a joyous occasion.'
In classical literature, 'notamau' is used when a noble person speaks.
Archaic honorific verb; the kanji 宣 is associated with proclaiming or stating, and the historical kana spelling のたまふ reflects the classical yodan verb.
Alternate archaic spelling using 曰, which also means 'to say'. Both spellings are rare and found only in classical texts.
Developed from the classical honorific speech verb のりたまふ, combining 宣る “to declare” with the respectful auxiliary 給ふ; contraction produced のたまふ.