noun
sarugaku; medieval Japanese theatre
Historical term for a popular performing art from the 11th to 14th centuries, precursor to noh and kyogen.
猿楽は能や狂言の源流とされる。
Sarugaku is considered the origin of noh and kyogen.
Only with reading さるがく
Archaic synonym for 能楽 (noh), used historically when sarugaku evolved into noh. Restricted to reading さるがく.
See also: 能楽
古い文献では、猿楽という言葉が能を指すことがある。
In old documents, the word sarugaku sometimes refers to noh.
noun
fooling around; horseplay
Only with reading さるごう
Archaic sense, restricted to reading さるごう. Derived from the comedic, acrobatic origins of the performance art.
「さるごう」は、かつて滑稽な物真似や曲芸を指した。
Sarugō once referred to comical mimicry and acrobatics.
Alternate historical spelling; less common than 猿楽.
Alternate historical spelling; also read さるごう for the archaic 'fooling around' sense.
Originally from Chinese 散楽 (sǎnyuè), a form of entertainment that entered Japan and evolved into sarugaku. The kanji 猿 (monkey) was later applied, possibly due to the acrobatic, monkey-like performances.