Japanese peerage (1869-1947); nobility; aristocracy
Historical term for the hereditary noble class established in the Meiji era and abolished after WWII. Often used in historical or period contexts.
See also: 五等爵
The peerage system began in the Meiji era and was abolished after the war.
His family is descended from the former nobility.
華族 was the specific Japanese peerage system in use from 1869 to 1947, whereas 貴族 is the general term for nobility in any country or era.
peerage system; aristocratic class system
Composed of 華 (flower, splendor) and 族 (family, tribe), reflecting the idea of a 'splendid lineage'. The term was coined in the Meiji period to designate the new hereditary peerage.