fairly high-ranking Yoshiwara prostitute (Edo period)
Historical term for a specific rank of courtesan in the Yoshiwara pleasure quarters during the Edo period. Not used in modern contexts.
In the Edo period, sancha jorō held a high rank in Yoshiwara.
The term is composed of 散茶 (sancha, a type of tea) and 女郎 (jorō, prostitute/courtesan). The exact origin of the name is uncertain, but it likely refers to a rank within the Yoshiwara hierarchy.