short pillar supporting a ridgepole
Architectural term for a short vertical post set on a beam to support the ridgepole in traditional Japanese buildings. Now mostly encountered in the idiom うだつが上がらない.
See also: うだつが上がらない
古い民家の梁の上にうだつが立っている。
In the old farmhouse, a short pillar stands on the beam to support the ridgepole.
raised roof edge; fire wall with raised edge
A mud wall with a raised roof edge, used as a firebreak and status symbol in traditional townhouses. Also a historical architectural feature; now mainly known through the idiom.
町家のうだつは防火壁の役割も果たした。
The raised roof edge of the townhouse also served as a fire wall.
「うだつが上がらない」のうだつは、もともとこの柱を指す。
The うだつ in the idiom うだつが上がらない originally referred to this pillar.
うだつのある家は裕福な商家の証だった。
A house with a raised roof edge was a sign of a wealthy merchant family.
Kana spelling is standard for both senses; usually written in kana.
Kanji spelling for the architectural term; rarely used in modern writing.
Rarely used kanji form.
The origin is uncertain; the word refers to traditional architectural features and is now mostly known through the idiom うだつが上がらない.