also: けし · いえづかさ
noun
steward for high-ranking nobles (Heian period)
Historical term for a steward managing the household affairs of nobles of the third rank and above, from the middle of the Heian period onward.
平安時代中期以降、三位以上の貴族の家には家司が置かれた。
From the mid-Heian period, stewards were appointed in the households of nobles of the third rank and above.
noun
administrative official (Kamakura and Muromachi periods)
Historical term for an administrative position during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods; compare with 政所 (sense 3).
See also: 政所
鎌倉・室町時代の家司は、政所の職員として実務を担った。
During the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, the 家司 served as an administrative official within the 政所.
Alternate reading; rare and possibly archaic.
政所 was the administrative office itself, while 家司 referred to the officials who worked there during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods.
The term is composed of 家 (household) and 司 (official/manager). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it reflects the role of managing noble households.