御ご前ぜん

noun

presence of a noble; presence of the emperor

Refers to the presence of a high-ranking person, especially the emperor or a nobleman. Often used in historical or formal contexts.

See also: お前

• 御ご前ぜんでの失しつ礼れいは許ゆるされない。

  Rudeness in the presence of the emperor is unforgivable.

noun

outrider; lead horseman

Historical term for a person riding ahead of a noble's procession. Related to 前駆.

See also: 前駆

• 行ぎょう列れつの先せん頭とうには御ご前ぜんが馬うまを進すすめていた。

  At the head of the procession, an outrider advanced on horseback.

noun, noun, used as a suffix

My Lord; My Lady

Archaic respectful form of address for a noble or high-ranking person. Can be used as a suffix. Compare with おまえ, which shifted to a familiar 'you'.

• 「御ご前ぜん、お呼よびでございます」と家け来らいが言いった。

  "My Lord, you are summoned," said the retainer.