noun
referee for makuuchi division bouts
In sumo, a referee rank that officiates matches of rank-and-file wrestlers in the top division (makuuchi).
幕内格の行司が土俵に上がった。
A referee of makuuchi rank stepped onto the ring.
彼は長年の経験を経て幕内格に昇進した。
After many years of experience, he was promoted to the rank of makuuchi referee.
幕内 is the top division of sumo wrestlers; 幕内格 is the referee rank corresponding to that division.
Compound of 幕内 (makuuchi, the top sumo division) and 格 (kaku, rank/status). The term refers to the referee rank for that division.