acting shugo; deputy military governor
Historical term for a deputy who acted on behalf of a shugo (military governor) during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods. Often used in contexts discussing medieval Japanese governance.
See also: 守護
守護代は、守護の不在時に領国を統治した。
The deputy military governor governed the province in the absence of the shugo.
戦国時代には、守護代が実権を握ることもあった。
During the Warring States period, deputy military governors sometimes held real power.
Formed from 守護 “military governor” and 代 “deputy.” 守護代 were local deputies appointed by 守護 and became especially important during the Muromachi period.