Taoist priest; Buddhist monk (archaic); temple servant (dialect)
Meanings
3 senses · 6 examplesnoun
Taoist priest or master
archaicAn respectful, old-fashioned term for a Taoist priest, now mostly replaced by '道士'.
The old Taoist master was meditating in the temple.
When he was young, he followed a Taoist priest to learn health preservation techniques.
noun
Buddhist monk
archaicAn archaic, respectful term for a Buddhist monk or follower. Modern usage distinctly uses '僧人' or '和尚'.
Ancient texts sometimes referred to itinerant monks as 'daoren'.
This monk is well-versed in Buddhist teachings.
noun
temple servant or lay worker
dialectA dialectal term for a layperson who performs odd jobs or menial labor in a Buddhist temple, not a formally ordained monk.
The temple servant is responsible for sweeping the courtyard and miscellaneous kitchen chores.
He is just a helper at the temple, not an ordained monk.