divine messenger; messenger of a god
Often refers to an animal believed to serve a deity, such as a fox for Inari or a deer for Kasuga Shrine. Used in religious and mythological contexts.
At Inari shrines, foxes are considered divine messengers.
Deer are cherished as messengers of the god at Kasuga Grand Shrine.
Compound of 神 (kami, 'god') + の (possessive particle) + 使い (tsukai, 'messenger'). The exact historical origin is uncertain, but the phrase is deeply rooted in Shinto tradition.