noun
town elder (Edo period); town leader; alderman
Historical term for a senior town official in the Edo period, responsible for local administration and liaison with the shogunate.
江戸時代、町年寄は町の行政を取り仕切っていた。
During the Edo period, the town elder managed the town's administration.
Compound of 町 (town) and 年寄 (elder, senior). The term reflects the historical role of senior townsmen in Edo-period urban administration.