noun
low-ranking Shinto priest; itinerant priest
Historical term for a low-ranking Shinto priest, often associated with pilgrimage guides and distributors of talismans. At Ise Shrine, the reading おんし is more common.
江戸時代、御師は伊勢参りの人々を案内した。
In the Edo period, oshi guided people on pilgrimages to Ise.
伊勢神宮では、御師のことを「おんし」と呼ぶことが多い。
At Ise Shrine, oshi are often called 'onshi'.
From 御 (honorific prefix) + 師 (master, teacher). The term historically designated a low-ranking Shinto priest who served as a guide and intermediary for pilgrims.