ancestor (honorific/poetic); forebear (especially mother or grandmother)
Poetic and honorific term for an ancestor, often used in classical or literary contexts. Especially refers to one's mother or grandmother, but can extend to earlier forebears.
I engrave the teachings of my ancestor (especially mother/grandmother) in my heart.
This poem expresses gratitude toward my forebear.
imperial ancestor; divine ancestor of the imperial line
Compound of 御 (mi, honorific prefix) + 祖 (oya, 'parent' or 'ancestor'). The reading みおや is a combination of the honorific prefix み and おや.