also: おうと
noun
Obito (hereditary title)
Historical term for a hereditary title granted to powerful regional families in ancient Japan. Compare with 姓 (かばね).
See also: 姓 (かばね)
古代の豪族は、朝廷から「首」の姓を賜ることがあった。
Powerful ancient clans were sometimes granted the hereditary title of 'Obito' by the imperial court.
Both are hereditary titles, but 首 (おびと) is a specific rank within the broader 姓 system.
The historical derivation is uncertain; the kanji 首 ('head, chief') is conventionally associated with the meaning of a hereditary title.