Refers to a merchant of high social standing and wealth, often with a sense of respectability. Somewhat dated; more common in historical or formal contexts.
During the Meiji period, many wealthy merchants invested in new industries.
Compound of 紳 (gentleman, person of high social standing) and 商 (commerce, merchant). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term likely emerged in the Meiji or Taisho era to describe merchants who attained social prestige.