藩主
Meanings
1
historical term
Historical term for the lord of a feudal domain (han) during the Edo period. Refers specifically to the ruler of a han, distinct from the broader term 大名 (daimyo), which can include lords without a domain.
During the Edo period, the feudal lords of each domain stayed in Edo under the sankin-kōtai system.
This castle was originally the residence of the local feudal lord.
Usage patterns
- 〈藩主〉になるto become the lord of a domain
After his father's death, he became the domain's lord at a young age.
- 藩主を継ぐto succeed as the lord of a domain
The eldest son was to succeed as the domain's lord.
- 藩主に仕えるto serve one's feudal lord
His family had served the domain's lord for generations.