御家人
ご
け
に
ん
Meanings
1
immediate vassal of the shogun (Kamakura and Muromachi periods)
historical term
A direct retainer of the shogun during the Kamakura and Muromachi periods, holding a relatively high status among warriors.
In the Kamakura period, gokenin were warriors who served the shogun directly.
2
low-ranking vassal of the shogun (Edo period)
historical term
During the Edo period, the term referred to lower-ranking direct retainers of the shogun, distinct from higher-ranking hatamoto.
In the Edo period, gokenin were of lower rank than hatamoto.