被ひ官かん

noun

lower government office (ritsuryō system)

Historical term for a subordinate government office in the ritsuryō state. Not used in modern administrative contexts.

• 律りつ令りょう制せいでは、被ひ官かんは上じょう位いの官かん庁ちょうの指し揮き下かにあった。

  Under the ritsuryō system, the hikan were under the command of higher government offices.

noun

retainer; servant of a higher-ranking person (medieval)

Refers to a servant or retainer serving a higher-ranking individual during Japan's medieval period. Often used in historical texts.

• 中ちゅう世せいの武ぶ士しは多おおくの被ひ官かんを抱かかえていた。

  Medieval warriors kept many retainers.

noun

servant of an urban family

Historical term for a servant working for a town-dwelling family. Usage is limited to pre-modern contexts.

• 江え戸ど時じ代だいの町まち家やでは、被ひ官かんが家か事じを手伝てつだっていた。

  In Edo-period townhouses, servants helped with household chores.

noun

serf

Appears in the compound 被官百姓, referring to a serf or peasant bound to a lord. Rare standalone use.

See also: 被官百姓

• 被ひ官かん百びゃく姓しょうは領りょう主しゅに年ねん貢ぐを納おさめていた。

  The serfs paid tribute to the feudal lord.