rice-tax delivery; tribute rice
Historical term referring to rice paid as tax or tribute, especially in pre-modern Japan. Not used in modern everyday contexts.
During the Edo period, farmers delivered rice-tax payments.
Compound of 上納 (じょうのう, 'payment to a superior') and 米 (まい, 'rice'). The reading まい is the on'yomi of 米, used in formal compounds.