also: えいし
noun
gate guard (ritsuryō system); gate guardian
Historical term for guards stationed at gates under the ritsuryō system of ancient Japan.
衛士は宮城の門を守る役目を負っていた。
The eji were responsible for guarding the gates of the imperial palace.
noun
young forced labourer (ritsuryō system)
Refers to young people conscripted for labor under the ritsuryō system; a distinct historical usage from the guard sense.
律令制下では、衛士として若者が労役に就かされた。
Under the ritsuryō system, young people were put to work as eishi (forced labourers).
The term 衛士 is composed of 衛 (guard, protect) and 士 (warrior, gentleman). Its historical usage is tied to the ritsuryō system; the exact derivation of the two distinct senses is uncertain.