also: けし · いえづかさ
steward for high-ranking nobles (Heian period)
Historical term for a steward managing the household affairs of nobles of the third rank and above, from the middle of the Heian period onward.
administrative official (Kamakura and Muromachi periods)
Historical term for an administrative position during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods; compare with 政所 (sense 3).
See also: 政所
From the mid-Heian period, stewards were appointed in the households of nobles of the third rank and above.
During the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, the 家司 served as an administrative official within the 政所.
Standard kanji spelling for the historical office.
Alternate reading; less common than けいし.
Alternate reading; rare and possibly archaic.
The term is composed of 家 (household) and 司 (official/manager). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it reflects the role of managing noble households.