虚こ無む僧そう

noun

komusō; begging Zen monk of the Fuke sect

Historical term for a mendicant Zen monk of the Fuke sect, recognizable by a deep sedge hat (tengai) and shakuhachi flute. The practice was abolished in the late 19th century; today the term is mainly encountered in historical or cultural contexts.

• 虚こ無む僧そうは尺しゃく八はちを吹ふきながら托たく鉢はつをした。

  Komusō monks begged for alms while playing the shakuhachi.

• 時じ代だい劇げきに虚こ無む僧そうが登とう場じょうすることがある。

  Komusō sometimes appear in period dramas.