noun
historical New Year's ball-and-mallet game
A traditional game played during the New Year period, similar to field hockey or polo, using a wooden mallet and a ball. Also refers to the mallet itself. The reading きゅうじょう is restricted to the 毬杖 spelling.
昔は正月に毬杖を楽しむ風習があった。
In the past, there was a custom of enjoying 毬杖 during the New Year.
この絵巻には毬杖に興じる人々が描かれている。
This picture scroll depicts people playing 毬杖.
Kana spelling, useful for learners since the kanji are rare.
Alternate kanji spelling, less common than 毬杖.
打毬 is a similar historical ball-and-mallet game, but it was played on horseback, whereas 毬杖 was played on foot.
The word ぎっちょう is of uncertain origin. The kanji 毬杖 literally mean 'ball staff', reflecting the equipment used. The reading きゅうじょう is the on'yomi of these characters.