seven residential pavilions for court ladies (Heian Palace)
Historical term referring to the seven pavilions within the inner palace (後宮) of the Heian-era imperial court, where court ladies resided. Not used in modern contexts.
See also: 後宮
In the imperial palace of Heian-kyō, there were residences for court ladies called the Seven Pavilions.
From 七 (seven) + 殿 (pavilion, hall). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; the term is conventionally associated with the layout of the Heian Palace.