noun
senior vassal; chief retainer; senior statesman
Refers to a high-ranking retainer in feudal Japan, or a senior minister/advisor in a government or organization. Often used in historical contexts.
彼は徳川家の重臣として仕えた。
He served as a senior vassal of the Tokugawa family.
内閣の重臣たちが緊急会議を開いた。
The senior statesmen of the cabinet held an emergency meeting.