master of ceremonies; receptionist monk
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesnoun
master of ceremonies; host (at traditional weddings or funerals)
archaicRefers to a specific social role in traditional Chinese customs, responsible for greeting guests, arranging seating, and coordinating rituals. Regional variant: 知宾.
Old Man Zhang is a famous master of ceremonies in the village; everyone asks him to help when they have weddings or funerals.
In old times, the master of ceremonies had to be familiar with various rituals and could not make mistakes.
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He has worked as a master of ceremonies for thirty years and is very experienced.
noun
receptionist monk; guest master (in a Buddhist temple)
formalA specific monastic office responsible for greeting lay visitors, arranging accommodations, and managing donations. Also called 知客僧.
The receptionist monk guided the pilgrims into the main hall.
This guest master is responsible for arranging food and lodging for visiting lay Buddhists.
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The temple's reception quarters are usually located near the mountain gate.