薨こう

noun

death of a nobleman

Historical term for the death of a high-ranking noble, such as a prince or minister. In modern Japanese, 薨去 (こうきょ) is more common for this meaning, while 薨 alone is rare and literary.

• 史し書しょには「某ぼう年ねん某ぼう月げつ、公こう薨こうず」と記きされている。

  The historical record states, 'In such-and-such year and month, the lord passed away.'