eta; Edo-period outcaste group
Historical term for the lowest social class in the Edo-period caste system, whose members often handled tasks involving death, such as leatherworking or execution. The kanji spelling 穢多 is considered derogatory; the kana form えた is preferred in modern sensitive contexts.
江戸時代には、穢多と呼ばれる身分の人々がいた。
In the Edo period, there were people of a status called eta.
歴史の授業で「えた」という
In history class, we learned about the origin of the word 'eta'.
Ateji spelling; the kanji are used phonetically. This is the standard written form for the historical term.
Kana spelling, often used to avoid the derogatory nuance associated with the kanji form.
The exact origin of えた is uncertain. The kanji 穢多 are ateji (phonetic equivalents) carrying negative connotations: 穢 ('defilement') and 多 ('many').