noun
immediate vassal of the shogun (Kamakura and Muromachi periods)
A direct retainer of the shogun during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, holding a relatively high status among warriors.
鎌倉時代、御家人は将軍に直接仕える武士だった。
In the Kamakura period, gokenin were warriors who served the shogun directly.
noun
low-ranking vassal of the shogun (Edo period)
During the Edo period, the term referred to lower-ranking direct retainers of the shogun, distinct from higher-ranking hatamoto.
江戸時代の御家人は、旗本より下の身分だった。
In the Edo period, gokenin were of lower rank than hatamoto.