distinguished scholar; holder of a higher doctorate
Archaic title for a highly accomplished scholar, roughly equivalent to a modern higher doctorate holder. Not used in contemporary Japanese academic titles.
In the Meiji period, the title of 大博士 was given to particularly distinguished scholars.
Compound of 大 (dai, 'great') and 博士 (hakase, 'doctor, scholar'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain; it was used as an official title in pre-modern Japan.