noun
peerage system; aristocratic class system
Historical term referring to the Meiji-era system of peerage ranks (1869–1947), modeled after European nobility.
華族制度は明治時代に導入され、戦後に廃止された。
The peerage system was introduced in the Meiji period and abolished after the war.
Compound of 華族 (peerage, from 華 'splendor' + 族 'family/class') and 制度 (system). The term 華族 was coined in the Meiji era to translate European concepts of nobility.