also: まちにん
townspeople; merchants and artisans; chōnin
Historical term for the urban commoner class in the Edo period, especially landowning merchants and artisans. Not used for modern townspeople in general.
In the Edo period, chōnin were placed below the samurai.
This festival was originally started by the townspeople.
He is said to be of chōnin (merchant/artisan) lineage from Edo.
He gave up his samurai status and chose to live as a chōnin.
mere tradesman; lowly merchant