also: ごぜ · みまえ
noun
presence of a noble; presence of the emperor
Refers to the presence of a high-ranking person, especially the emperor or a nobleman. Often used in historical or formal contexts.
See also: おまえ
御前での失礼は許されない。
Rudeness in the presence of the emperor is unforgivable.
noun
outrider; lead horseman
Historical term for a person riding ahead of a noble's procession. Related to 前駆.
See also:
行列の先頭には御前が馬を進めていた。
At the head of the procession, an outrider advanced on horseback.
noun, noun, used as a suffix
My Lord; My Lady
Archaic respectful form of address for a noble or high-ranking person. Can be used as a suffix. Compare with おまえ, which shifted to a familiar 'you'.
「御前、お呼びでございます」と家来が言った。
"My Lord, you are summoned," said the retainer.
Rare reading for the presence sense; ごぜん is standard.
From 御 (honorific prefix) + 前 (front, presence). The reading ごぜん is standard; ごぜ and みまえ are rare variants.