master's favor; lord's benevolence
Refers to the kindness, patronage, or gracious favor received from one's master, lord, or superior. Often used in historical or feudal contexts; may appear in literary or formal writing.
主恩に報いるために、彼は命をかけて戦った。
He fought risking his life to repay his lord's favor.
Compound of 主 (しゅ, 'master, lord') and 恩 (おん, 'favor, obligation'). The reading is on'yomi, suggesting a Sino-Japanese origin. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is conventionally associated with feudal loyalty.