Historical term for a person who served a noble or samurai household, similar to a retainer or vassal. Not used in modern everyday contexts.
In the Warring States period, retainers swore loyalty to their lord.
immediate vassal of the shogun (Kamakura and Muromachi periods) · low-ranking vassal of the shogun (Edo period)
From 家 (household) + 人 (person), literally 'household person'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term has been used since the Heian period to refer to retainers or servants of noble families.