驸
extra horse; imperial son-in-law
Meanings
2 senses · 5 examplesnoun
extra horse in a chariot team; side horse
archaicAn archaic term referring to the horses added to the side of the main shaft horse in a chariot or carriage. This is the original meaning of the character.
In ancient war chariots, there was one shaft horse and two side horses.
The term 'Fuma' (imperial son-in-law) originally evolved from an official position in charge of the extra horses for secondary carriages.
noun
imperial son-in-law; husband of a princess
formalThe most common modern meaning. Derived from the historical title 'Fuma Duwei' (副马都尉), which was often bestowed upon the husbands of princesses.
He married the princess and was granted the title of imperial son-in-law.
The role of the imperial son-in-law often appears in Chinese opera.
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'The Drunken Beating of the Golden Branch' tells the story of an imperial son-in-law and a princess.