noun
right to bear a surname and wear a sword
Historical term from the Edo period, referring to the privilege granted to certain commoners (e.g., wealthy merchants, village headmen) to use a family name and carry a sword, which were normally samurai prerogatives.
江戸時代、苗字帯刀を許されることは大変な名誉だった。
During the Edo period, being granted the right to bear a surname and wear a sword was a great honor.
庄屋の中には苗字帯刀を許された者もいた。
Some village headmen were allowed the right to bear a surname and wear a sword.