noun
the nobility; court nobles
Historical term referring to the high-ranking nobility of the imperial court, literally 'people above the clouds'. Used in classical or historical contexts.
平安時代、雲上人は宮中で雅な生活を送っていた。
In the Heian period, the court nobles led elegant lives within the imperial palace.
貴族 is the general modern term for 'nobility' or 'aristocracy'. 雲上人 is a classical, poetic term specifically for imperial court nobles.
Compound of 雲上 (うんじょう, 'above the clouds') and 人 (ひと, 'person'), referring to the elevated status of court nobles who were considered to dwell above the common people.