Definition

1. Noun:
   • A hereditary military dictator of Japan: A "shogun" was the supreme military commander and de facto ruler of Japan for much of its feudal period, holding power nominally under the Emperor.
   • The title of the feudal military government: The term also refers to the title itself and the system of government (the shogunate) headed by the shogun.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Tokugawa Ieyasu was the founder and first shogun of the Tokugawa shogunate.
  • For centuries, the emperor was a figurehead while the shogun held real political power.

Advanced Usage

• "to be a shogun": To hold the position or possess the authority of a shogun.
  • He effectively acted as a shogun, controlling the military and the state.
• "under the shogun": During the rule or within the jurisdiction of a shogun.
  • The samurai class flourished under the shogun.

Variants and Related Words

• Shogunate (n): The government, office, or rule of a shogun; also known as a .
  • The Edo period was governed by the Tokugawa shogunate.
• Shogunal (adj): Pertaining to a shogun or shogunate.
  • The shogunal decree was absolute law.

Synonyms

• Military dictator: A ruler who holds absolute authority through control of the armed forces.
• Feudal lord: A lord in a feudal system, though "shogun" implies the supreme overlord.

Related Phrases

• "The last shogun": A common historical reference to Tokugawa Yoshinobu, who resigned in 1867, ending the shogunate system.
  • The Meiji Restoration followed the resignation of the last shogun.

Related Idioms

• "A paper shogun": (A modern, figurative usage) Referring to someone who holds a title or position of leadership but has little real power or influence.
  • The CEO became a mere paper shogun after the board took control.

Noun

1. a hereditary military dictator of Japan; the shoguns ruled Japan until the revolution of 1867-68