period of an apprentice's contract; indentured term
Historically refers to the fixed term (often ten years) an apprentice served under a master. Now mainly used in historical or figurative contexts.
apprenticeship; indentureship
Abbreviation of 年季奉公. Refers to the system or state of being an indentured apprentice. Historical term.
See also: 年季奉公
one-year period
Only when written 年期
Written as 年期. A straightforward term for a period of one year, used in contracts or formal contexts.
The one-year period of this contract is until March of next year.
In the Edo period, craftsmen worked under a master until their indentured term ended.
年季 was used as an abbreviation for 年季奉公 (indentured service).
Standard spelling for the apprenticeship/indenture sense.
Used specifically for the 'one-year period' sense; can also appear in historical contexts for apprenticeship.
年 (year) + 季 (season/period). The apprenticeship sense derives from the fixed term of service. The 年期 spelling is a direct combination of 年 and 期 (period).