small gate; wicket gate
A small gate, often set into a larger gate or wall, through which people pass by ducking or bending. Typically found in traditional Japanese architecture, such as castle gates or temple entrances.
A small wicket gate was installed beside the castle gate.
At night they closed the main gate and left only the small gate open.
Standard kanji spelling.
Irregular okurigana usage; less common variant.
Compound of 潜り (くぐり, 'ducking' or 'passing under') + 門 (もん, 'gate'). The verb 潜る (くぐる) means to go under or pass through a low opening, reflecting the typical use of such a gate.