noun
influential vassal; powerful retainer; powerful courtier
Historical term for a retainer or courtier who wields significant political power, often in a feudal or imperial court context. Not used for modern politicians.
平安時代には、藤原氏のような権臣が実権を握っていた。
During the Heian period, powerful courtiers like the Fujiwara clan held real power.
将軍の側近として、彼は典型的な権臣だった。
As a close aide to the shogun, he was a typical influential vassal.
Compound of 権 (けん, 'power, authority') and 臣 (しん, 'retainer, vassal'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word follows a common Sino-Japanese pattern for describing court ranks.