noun
Historical term for a sale held to clear out old stock, originally associated with Kyoto kimono merchants. Now rare and mostly encountered in historical or cultural contexts.
京都の老舗では、昔ながらの誓文払いが今も行われている。
At long-established Kyoto shops, the traditional 誓文払い bargain sale is still held today.
From 誓文 (seimon, 'written oath') + 払い (harai, 'clearing out'). The term originates from Kyoto kimono merchants who held sales to clear out stock after the 誓文 (oath) period, during which they promised not to sell certain goods.