検けん番ばん

noun

geisha call-office; assignation office for geisha

Historical term for an office where geisha were registered and dispatched to engagements. Still used in traditional entertainment districts.

• 花か街がいには今いまでも検けん番ばんが残のこっている。

  In the geisha districts, the call-office still exists today.

noun

geisha on call

Refers to a geisha who is available for dispatch through the call-office. Often used in compounds like 検番芸者.

See also: 検番芸者

• 検けん番ばん芸げい者しゃは、お座ざ敷しきの要よう請せいに応おうじて派は遣けんされる。

  Geisha on call are dispatched in response to requests for banquets.