noun
outcast group in Kyoto region (Kamakura to Edo period)
Historical term for a specific group of outcasts living in the Kyoto area from the Kamakura through Edo periods. Not used in modern Japanese outside historical contexts.
夙は、中世から近世にかけて京都周辺に存在した被差別民の一種である。
Shuku were a type of discriminated people who existed around Kyoto from the medieval to early modern periods.
Rare variant spelling.
The exact origin is uncertain. The kanji 夙 (early morning, long ago) and 宿 (lodging) are used, but their connection to the historical outcast group is unclear.