Definition

Noun: 1. The government, rule, or office of a shogun: The system of feudal military dictatorship in Japan from the 12th to the 19th century, where the shogun, a supreme military commander, held de facto power while the emperor remained the nominal head of state. 2. A form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.): This definition highlights the shogunate as a specific historical example of an autocratic or dictatorial system.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The Tokugawa shogunate maintained peace in Japan for over 250 years.
  • During the Kamakura shogunate, the samurai class rose to prominence.
  • The fall of the shogunate in 1868 led to the Meiji Restoration.

Advanced Usage

• "the shogunate": Often used with the definite article to refer to the specific ruling institution or period in Japan.
  • The emperor was a figurehead, while real power resided with the shogunate.
• Used as a modifier in historical and political analysis.
  • He studied shogunate politics and its control over the daimyo.

Variants and Related Words

• Shogun (n): The title of the military dictators who ruled Japan under the shogunate system.
  • Tokugawa Ieyasu was the founder of the Tokugawa shogunate.
• Bakufu (n): The Japanese term for the shogunate, literally meaning "tent government," referring to the military field headquarters of the shogun.
  • The Kamakura bakufu was the first shogunal government.

Synonyms

• Dictatorship: A form of government with absolute power held by one person or a small group.
• Autocracy: A system of government by one person with absolute power.
• Military government: A government administered by military forces.
• Tyramy: Cruel and oppressive government or rule.

Related Phrases

• Feudal military dictatorship: A descriptive phrase often used to define the nature of the shogunate system.
  • Japan was governed by a feudal military dictatorship for centuries.

Related Idioms

• A shadow shogun: (Modern, figurative) A person who exerts great power or influence behind the scenes, without holding an official title.
  • Though retired, the former party leader is considered a shadow shogun.

Noun

1. a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)