immediate vassal of the shogun (Kamakura and Muromachi periods)
A direct retainer of the shogun during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, holding a relatively high status among warriors.
In the Kamakura period, gokenin were warriors who served the shogun directly.
low-ranking vassal of the shogun (Edo period)
During the Edo period, the term referred to lower-ranking direct retainers of the shogun, distinct from higher-ranking hatamoto.
In the Edo period, gokenin were of lower rank than hatamoto.
From 御 (honorific prefix) + 家人 (retainer, servant). The term's specific meaning shifted across historical periods.