noun
lowest-class prostitute (Edo period)
Historical term for a prostitute of the lowest rank in the Edo-period pleasure quarters. Not used in modern Japanese outside historical contexts.
江戸時代、局女郎は遊郭で最も身分の低い遊女だった。
In the Edo period, tsubone-jorō were the lowest-ranking prostitutes in the pleasure quarters.
Compound of 局 (tsubone, 'room' or 'quarters') and 女郎 (jorō, 'prostitute'), referring to a low-ranking prostitute who worked in small rooms.