also: にょご
noun
court lady; imperial consort
Historical title for a high-ranking lady-in-waiting or consort in the Japanese imperial court, especially during the Heian period.
紫式部は一条天皇の中宮彰子に女御として仕えた。
Murasaki Shikibu served Empress Shōshi, consort of Emperor Ichijō, as a court lady.
平安時代の女御は、后に次ぐ高い地位だった。
During the Heian period, a nyōgo was a high rank just below the empress.
From Middle Chinese-derived elements 女 (woman) and 御 (honorable), referring to a woman serving in the imperial presence. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.