稗はい官かん

noun

petty official who collected gossip for the king (ancient China)

A minor official in ancient China tasked with gathering public rumors and presenting them to the ruler. The term is now historical and rarely used outside discussions of classical Chinese institutions. Related to 稗史 (はいし), meaning unofficial history or anecdotal records.

See also: 稗史

• 古こ代だい中ちゅう国ごくでは、稗はい官かんが街まちの噂うわさを集あつめて王おうに報ほう告こくした。

  In ancient China, the haikan collected street rumors and reported them to the king.