also: めんどう · めど · うまみち
noun
long roofed passageway; bridle path (in traditional architecture)
Historical architectural term referring to a covered earthen passageway in shinden-zukuri style, originally used as a bridle path. The reading めんどう is also written with the ateji 面道.
See also: 寝殿造り
寝殿造りでは、馬道が建物をつないでいた。
In shinden-zukuri architecture, a roofed passageway (馬道) connected the buildings.
馬道はもともと土間で、馬を通すための通路だった。
The 馬道 was originally an earthen-floored passageway for leading horses.
Obsolete kana usage; also written with the ateji 面道.
Obsolete kana usage.
Irregular kana usage; included for search coverage.
The architectural style (shinden-zukuri) in which 馬道 appears as a connecting roofed passageway.
Compound of 馬 (horse) and 道 (path, road). The reading めどう is a sound change from めんどう, which itself may be a contraction or euphonic shift from うまみち or a related form. The exact derivation is uncertain.