professional dengaku performer; dengaku monk-performer
Historical term for a performer of dengaku (田楽), a medieval Japanese performance art. They often appeared in the guise of a Buddhist monk. The term is now encountered mainly in historical or cultural contexts.
See also: 田楽
Dengaku-hōshi were performers who presented dengaku at medieval festivals.
In the picture scroll, a dengaku-hōshi is depicted dancing in the form of a monk.
田楽 refers to the performance art itself or the related food dish; 田楽法師 specifically denotes the performer.
Compound of 田楽 (dengaku, a medieval performance art) and 法師 (hōshi, a Buddhist monk or priest), reflecting the typical monk-like costume of the performers.