我わが仏ほとけ

expression, noun, pronoun

my dear; my beloved

An old-fashioned, deeply affectionate term of endearment, literally 'my Buddha'. Used to address someone cherished as if they were a Buddha. Rare in modern conversation; mostly found in classical literature, poetry, or historical drama.

• 「我わが仏ほとけ、どうかお許ゆるしください」と彼かれは涙なみだながらに言いった。

  "My dear, please forgive me," he said tearfully.

• 古ふるい和わ歌かに「我わが仏ほとけ」という呼よびかけがよく見みられる。

  The address 'my Buddha' is often seen in old waka poems.