CultureAugust 18, 2026
shogunate
SHOH-guh-neyt
Definition
A form of military government in historical Japan, ruled by a hereditary commander-in-chief known as a shogun.
Etymology
Derived from the Japanese 'shogun' (commander-in-chief) combined with the suffix '-ate', indicating a position or office of authority. It entered English in the late 19th century to describe the historical Japanese system of military rule.
In the news
In this article, the term refers to the Kamakura Shogunate, the military regime led by the Hojo family that controlled Japan until its sudden collapse in 1333.
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