公こう侯こう

noun

princes and marquises; great feudal lords

Historical term referring to high-ranking nobility, specifically dukes (公) and marquises (侯) in feudal systems. Rare in modern conversation; encountered in historical texts or discussions of pre-modern aristocracy.

• 中ちゅう世せいの日本にほんでは、公こう侯こうが大おおきな領りょう地ちを治おさめていた。

  In medieval Japan, princes and marquises ruled over large territories.