lady-in-waiting; maid of honor
Historical term for a female attendant serving in the imperial court of Japan, especially during the Heian period. The reading ないじ is an older, now obsolete pronunciation.
Sei Shōnagon served as a lady-in-waiting to Empress Teishi.
内侍は宮中で重要な役割を果たしていた。
Ladies-in-waiting played an important role in the imperial court.
Standard kanji spelling for this historical court title.
From Middle Chinese-derived elements 内 (inside, within) and 侍 (to serve, attendant), referring to a female attendant serving within the imperial palace.