also: れいし
noun
prince's written command; prince's message
Historical term used in pre-modern Japanese contexts, referring to an official written order or message issued by a prince (often a son of the emperor). Not used in modern everyday language.
古文書には、皇太子の令旨が記録されている。
The ancient document records a written command from the crown prince.
Composed of 令 (command, order) and 旨 (purport, meaning). The reading りょうじ is the standard on'yomi combination; れいし is a less common variant reading.