crown prince (archaic honorific)
Archaic honorific title for a crown prince, used in classical Japanese contexts such as ancient chronicles or poetry. Not used in modern Japanese outside historical references.
The expression '皇子の尊' can be found in the Kojiki.
Modern standard term for crown prince; 皇子の尊 is an archaic honorific equivalent.
Standard kanji form for this archaic honorific title.
Variant kanji form using 命 instead of 尊; both are attested in historical texts.
The term combines 皇子 (imperial prince) with 尊 (exalted one), an archaic honorific suffix. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it appears in early Japanese texts as a respectful title for a crown prince.