ancient local official's assistant; judge in the underworld
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
assistant official in Tang and Song dynasties
archaicHistorical term for a government official who assisted prefects or governors.
In the Tang Dynasty, the assistant official was an important subordinate to the local governor.
This assistant official was responsible for trying local cases.
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The position of assistant official was gradually replaced by other offices later.
noun
underworld judge who keeps the book of life and death
archaicA figure in Chinese folk religion and mythology, serving under King Yama (Yanluo Wang).
In legend, the underworld judge determines a person's lifespan based on the book of life and death.
In the hall of King Yama, the underworld judge holds a brush and the book of life and death, with a stern expression.
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People often say that life and death are predetermined, all recorded in the judge's book.