order of merit; decoration rank
Historical Japanese honorific rank conferred alongside medals or orders of merit, especially under the pre-1947 system. Now primarily encountered in historical or formal contexts.
His grandfather was once awarded an order of merit.
The system of decoration ranks was abolished after the war.
Compound of 勲 (merit, distinguished service) and 位 (rank, position). The term refers to a system of honorific ranks historically used in Japan.