魁かい星せい

noun

first star of the Big Dipper

Refers to the star Dubhe (α Ursae Majoris), the first star in the Big Dipper's bowl. Used in classical Chinese astronomy and literature.

• 魁かい星せいは北ほく斗と七しち星せいの最さい初しょの星ほしである。

  Kaisei is the first star of the Big Dipper.

noun

top civil service examinee (Imperial China)

Archaic term from Imperial China, referring to the candidate who achieved the highest score in the civil service examination. The star name was metaphorically applied to the top scholar.

• 科か挙きょで魁かい星せいに選えらばれることは最さい高こうの栄えい誉よだった。

  Being chosen as the top examinee in the civil service examination was the highest honor.