noun
monopolizing one's lord's favor; being the lord's favorite
A yojijukugo describing a person who exclusively receives the affection or favor of a lord or master, often in a historical court or samurai context. Can refer to a favorite retainer or a favored lady.
彼は寵愛一身を誇る側近だった。
He was a close aide who boasted of monopolizing his lord's favor.
寵愛一身の女御として、宮中で権勢を振るった。
As the lord's favorite consort, she wielded power in the court.
A yojijukugo composed of 寵愛 (favor, affection) and 一身 (one person, oneself), literally meaning 'favor concentrated on one person'. The exact historical origin is uncertain, but it reflects a classical Chinese-derived expression for exclusive favor.