also: おとこしゅ · おとこし
The men took the lead in preparing for the festival.
manservant; male servant
A male servant or attendant, especially in a traditional household or inn. Often paired with 女衆 (female servant).
See also: 女衆
旅館の男衆が荷物を部屋まで運んでくれた。
The male attendant at the inn carried our luggage to the room.
male attendants to an actor
Specifically refers to male attendants or assistants serving a kabuki or traditional theater actor. A specialized historical/theatrical term.
歌舞伎役者の男衆は、舞台裏で衣装の手伝いをする。
The actor's male attendants help with costumes backstage in kabuki.
Rare reading; may be encountered in older texts or dialects.