minor feudal lord
Historical term for a low-ranking feudal lord in medieval Japan, below a 大名 (daimyō).
See also: 大名
During the Warring States period, many minor feudal lords were subordinate to daimyō.
Compound of 小 (small, minor) and 名 (name, here referring to a titled landholder). The reading しょうみょう is the on'yomi of the kanji.