also: いつきのいん
imperial princess serving as Ise priestess; office of the Ise priestess
Historical term for an unmarried imperial princess who served as the high priestess at Ise Shrine, or the office itself. The system existed from the Heian period until the early 14th century.
In the Heian period, 斎院 referred to an imperial princess who served at Ise Shrine.
Standard kanji spelling for the historical office and its priestess.
Alternate reading, likely older or more literary; さいいん is the usual modern reading.
From 斎 (purification, abstinence) and 院 (institution, residence). The term originally referred to the office or residence of the imperial princess who served as the high priestess at Ise Shrine.