also: しゅうどう
noun
Historical term for male-male sexual relationships, especially in samurai or monastic contexts; often implies an age-structured relationship. Modern usage is rare and carries an archaic, literary tone.
江戸時代の武士の間では衆道が広く行われていた。
During the Edo period, male homosexuality was widely practiced among samurai.
この寺では衆道が黙認されていたという記録が残っている。
Records indicate that pederasty was tacitly permitted at this temple.
Compound of 衆 (many, group) and 道 (way, path). The exact derivation is uncertain; it likely originated as a euphemism for male-male relationships within Buddhist monastic communities or samurai bands.