noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
Historical term for a person who serves a lord or monarch, especially in feudal contexts. Not used for modern employment relationships.
He pledged loyalty as a retainer of the king.
Pay homage as a vassal.
Compound of 臣 (しん, 'retainer, subject') and 下 (か, 'under, below'), literally 'one under a lord'. The reading is on'yomi.