humble foot-soldier bodyguard
Historical term for a low-ranking samurai who served as a bodyguard on foot, often contrasted with mounted retainers. The cross-reference 徒侍 (かちざむらい) is a related term.
See also: 徒侍
The kachishū were lower-ranking samurai who guarded their lord on foot.
shogun's advance foot bodyguards (Edo period)
Specifically refers to bodyguards in service of the shogun who would walk ahead of him during outings in the Edo period. Related to 徒士組 (かちぐみ).
See also: 徒士組 (かちぐみ)
During the Edo period, the kachishū led the way when the shogun went out.
Compound of 徒士 (kachishi, 'foot soldier') and 衆 (shū, 'group' or 'people'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is associated with Edo-period military organization.