elder chief of a village or town during Edo Period
Archaic term for a village or town elder chief in the Edo period. Related to 年寄り (sense 1), but specifically refers to a formal leadership role.
See also: 年寄り
In Edo-period villages, the elder chiefs made important decisions.
Formed from 年寄, an Edo-period title for a local elder or official, and the collective suffix 衆. It designated the elders involved in governing a village or town.