疫えき神じん

noun

god of pestilence; deity who spreads infectious diseases

A deity in Japanese folk belief that brings epidemics. Often used in historical or mythological contexts. Compare with 疫病神 (やくびょうがみ), which is more common in modern language.

See also: 疫病神

• 昔むかし、村むら人びとたちは疫えき神じんを鎮しずめるために祭まつりを行おこなった。

  Long ago, the villagers held a festival to appease the god of pestilence.

• 疫えき神じんは疱ほう瘡そうやコレラなどの病びょう気きをもたらすと信しんじられていた。

  The god of pestilence was believed to bring diseases like smallpox and cholera.