noun
left skirt of a kimono
Refers to the left side of a kimono's skirt. Often used in the phrase 左褄を取る, meaning to hold the left hem, a gesture associated with geisha.
着物の左褄が少し乱れている。
The left skirt of the kimono is a little disheveled.
芸者は左褄を取って歩くことが多かった。
Geisha often walked holding the left hem of their kimono.
noun
Metonymic term for a geisha, derived from the practice of holding the left hem of the kimono while walking. Somewhat dated and literary.
See also: 芸妓
花街で左褄と呼ばれる女性たちが行き交っていた。
Women called 'hidarizuma' (geisha) were coming and going in the pleasure quarters.