lowly people; humble people; outcaste
Historical term for people of low social status, especially in the context of Japan's former caste system. Often refers to the 穢多 (eta) and 非人 (hinin) classes. In modern usage, it may appear in historical or sociological discussions.
In the Edo period, there were people of a status called 'senmin' (lowly people).
This history book describes the lives of the outcastes in detail.
Standard kanji form for the historical caste term.
Variant kanji form; 賎 is a less common character for the same meaning.
From Middle Chinese-derived kanji 賤 (lowly, humble) and 民 (people). The term was used historically in East Asian societies to denote low-status groups, and in Japan it became associated with the outcaste classes of the Edo period.