苗みょう字じ帯たい刀とう

noun

right to bear a surname and wear a sword

Historical term from the Edo period, referring to the privilege granted to certain commoners (e.g., wealthy merchants, village headmen) to use a family name and carry a sword, which were normally samurai prerogatives.

• 江え戸ど時じ代だい、苗みょう字じ帯たい刀とうを許ゆるされることは大たい変へんな名めい誉よだった。

  During the Edo period, being granted the right to bear a surname and wear a sword was a great honor.

• 庄しょう屋やの中なかには苗みょう字じ帯たい刀とうを許ゆるされた者ものもいた。

  Some village headmen were allowed the right to bear a surname and wear a sword.