noun
Historical term for a person who stood outside theaters, brothels, or similar establishments and called out to passersby to attract customers.
江戸時代、芝居小屋の前には留男が立って客を呼び込んでいた。
In the Edo period, touts stood in front of playhouses and called in customers.
noun
Rare historical term for a person who mediated or settled disputes, especially in the context of traditional theater performances.
歌舞伎の舞台では、時折留男が仲裁役として登場した。
In kabuki performances, an arbitrator sometimes appeared as a mediator.
Compound of 留め (tome, 'stopping' or 'holding') + 男 (otoko, 'man'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term likely referred to a man who stopped or held people's attention.