Honorific title used in historical contexts for a feudal lord or high-ranking samurai. Also used as a respectful form of address, similar to 'my lord'.
My lord, did you call for me?
This castle was once ruled by a feudal lord.
Ancient documents describe a splendid mansion in the capital.
stately mansion; lofty building
lord; nobleman; dignitary · feudal lord; daimyo · sheltered man; arrogant and ignorant man
current master; father of one's current master · minister; noble · nobleman's residence
temporary shrine
you (archaic, familiar or derogatory)
toilet
nobility; courtiers; aristocrats · gentleman; man (polite)
gentlemen; men of high rank
the nobility; lords and ladies · visitors; guests
roofed corridor connecting two buildings (traditional palatial architecture)
bathroom; bathing room · bathing; bathing attendant
Standard kanji spelling for both the honorific title and the archaic building sense.
The historical derivation is uncertain; the kanji 殿 is conventionally associated with the meaning of a lord or a grand building.