寅とらの刻こく

expression, noun

hour of the Tiger (approx. 3–5 AM)

Archaic temporal unit from the traditional Chinese-derived time system. The exact span varies by period, but commonly 3–5 AM. Used in historical or literary contexts.

• 昔むかしの時じ刻こくでは、寅とらの刻こくは夜よ明あけ前まえの時じ間かん帯たいにあたる。

  In the old time system, the hour of the Tiger corresponds to the pre-dawn period.