案あん下か

noun

respectful term added to addressee's name on a letter

A formal, somewhat old-fashioned epistolary honorific placed after the recipient's name, similar to 'Esq.' or 'Dear' in English letters. Not used in everyday conversation.

• 手て紙がみの宛あて名なに「山やま田だ太た郎ろう様さま 案あん下か」と書かく。

  On the envelope, write 'To Mr. Taro Yamada, Esq.' using 案下.

noun

under the desk

Original literal meaning, now rare. Mainly encountered in historical or explanatory contexts.

• 「案あん下か」はもともと机つくえの下したを意い味みする語ごだった。

  案下 originally meant 'under the desk'.