noun
position of boss; big-shot status
Refers to the social or organizational standing of a boss or leader, often in hierarchical groups like yakuza or traditional crafts. Can imply both the role and the influence that comes with it.
彼は若くして親分株に収まった。
He settled into the position of boss at a young age.
親分株としての責任は重い。
The responsibility that comes with being the boss is heavy.
子分 is a follower or underling, the opposite role to 親分.
Compound of 親分 (boss, leader) and 株 (stock, share, status). The 株 here metaphorically extends the idea of a 'share' to mean a recognized position or rank within a group.