territorial ruler (Yamato period)
Historical title for a local ruler or governor of an agata (県) during the Yamato period, before the Taika Reform.
See also: 県 (あがた)
Agatanushi is a historical term referring to a local ruler during the Yamato period.
Compound of 県 (agata, 'territory') and 主 (nushi, 'master, lord'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is attested in early Japanese texts.