noun
Historical term for a person who guarded a gate, especially at a theater or entertainment district in the Edo period. Not used for modern doormen or security guards.
江戸時代、芝居小屋の木戸番は客の入りを管理した。
In the Edo period, the gatekeeper at a playhouse managed the admission of customers.
守衛 is a modern term for a security guard or watchman, whereas 木戸番 is an archaic occupation.
Compound of 木戸 (きど, 'wooden gate') and 番 (ばん, 'watch, guard'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is associated with Edo-period theater culture.