noun
humble foot-soldier bodyguard
Historical term for a low-ranking samurai who served as a bodyguard on foot, often contrasted with mounted retainers. The cross-reference 徒侍 (かちざむらい) is a related term.
See also: 徒侍
徒士衆は、主君の身辺を徒歩で警護した下級武士である。
The kachishū were lower-ranking samurai who guarded their lord on foot.
noun
shogun's advance foot bodyguards (Edo period)
Specifically refers to bodyguards in service of the shogun who would walk ahead of him during outings in the Edo period. Related to 徒士組 (かちぐみ).
See also: 徒士組 (かちぐみ)
江戸時代、将軍の外出時には徒士衆が先導を務めた。
During the Edo period, the kachishū led the way when the shogun went out.
徒士組 refers to the organized group or unit of foot-soldier bodyguards, closely related to the second sense of 徒士衆.
Compound of 徒士 (kachishi, 'foot soldier') and 衆 (shū, 'group' or 'people'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is associated with Edo-period military organization.