noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
A historical term for a samurai who served a feudal lord (daimyō). Often used in contexts of loyalty and military service.
彼の先祖は徳川家の家臣だった。
His ancestor was a retainer of the Tokugawa family.
家臣たちは主君に忠誠を誓った。
The vassals pledged loyalty to their lord.