expression, godan verb (-ku)
withdraw from the Emperor's presence
Formal, historical expression used in imperial court contexts. Describes the act of leaving the presence of the Emperor or a high-ranking personage. Rare in modern Japanese outside historical or ceremonial references.
家臣は御前を退くことを許された。
The retainer was permitted to withdraw from the imperial presence.
Standard kanji spelling for this fixed expression.
Mixed kana-kanji variant; less common but attested.
Fixed expression composed of 御前 (ごぜん, 'the presence of a noble or the Emperor') and 退く (のく, 'to withdraw, step back'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it follows classical court language patterns.