also: すないものもうし
noun
lesser councilor of state; minor councilor
Historical title in the imperial court of ancient Japan; a junior advisory position in the Council of State (太政官).
清少納言は一条天皇の時代に活躍した女房である。
Sei Shōnagon was a court lady active during the reign of Emperor Ichijō.
少納言は太政官の
The Shōnagon was a lower-ranking official in the Council of State.
From the Chinese-style court rank system; 少 (shō, 'lesser') + 納言 (nagon, 'counselor'). The reading すないものもうし is an older Japanese rendering of the same title.