noun
imperial edict; senmyō
Refers specifically to imperial edicts written in the classical senmyō-tai style, characterized by grandiose language and a distinctive orthography using large and small characters. A historical term; not used for modern official proclamations.
See also: 宣命体
奈良時代の宣命は、独特の文体で書かれている。
Imperial edicts from the Nara period are written in a distinctive style.
この宣命は、天皇の言葉を直接伝えるものとされた
This senmyō was considered to convey the emperor's words directly.
From 宣 (sen, 'proclaim') + 命 (myō, 'command'). The reading せみょう is an older kana usage now considered obsolete.