noun
Archaic term for a written message or letter. Not used in modern Japanese; encountered only in historical texts or classical contexts.
古文書には「簡牘を送る」という表現が見られる。
In old documents, the expression 'send a letter' (簡牘を送る) can be found.
Variant archaic spelling. The reading かんどく is standard for this form.
手紙 is the standard modern word for 'letter'. 簡牘 is an archaic synonym no longer in everyday use.
The exact derivation is uncertain; the kanji 簡 (bamboo slip, simplicity) and 牘 (wooden tablet, document) suggest an origin in ancient writing materials, but the word is now archaic.