slip-guard (shamisen)
A protective guard attached to one side of a shamisen's body to prevent damage from the plectrum. Domain-specific term for shamisen players and makers.
See also: 胴掛け
The slip-guard on my shamisen has worn down, so I replaced it with a new one.
Standard spelling for the shamisen part.
Abbreviated spelling; less common but still used.
Compound of 胴 (どう, 'body, torso') and 当て (あて, 'guard, pad'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term transparently describes its function as a body guard for the shamisen.