band of warriors; samurai group
Historical term for a local armed group in medieval Japan, often organized around kinship or lord-vassal ties.
In the late Heian period, bands of warriors were formed in various regions.
The Minamoto clan's samurai group possessed strong military power.
Compound of 武士 (bushi, 'warrior') and 団 (dan, 'group'). The term is used in Japanese historiography to describe medieval warrior bands.