also: かむろ
noun
children's hairstyle with short, untied hair; child with short, untied hair
Historical term for a hairstyle worn by children in pre-modern Japan, where the hair was cut short and left loose. Also refers to a child wearing that style.
江戸時代の絵には、かぶろの子供たちがよく描かれている。
In Edo-period paintings, children with the kaburo hairstyle are often depicted.
noun
young girl servant to a high-class prostitute (Edo period)
Historical term for a young girl, often an apprentice or attendant, who served a high-ranking courtesan (oiran) in the pleasure quarters during the Edo period.
かむろは花魁の身の回りの世話をしていた。
The kamuro took care of the oiran's personal needs.
noun
Archaic meaning; now expressed with words like 禿げ (はげ). This sense is rarely encountered outside classical texts.
古語では「かぶろ」が禿げた頭を指すこともあった。
In old language, 'kaburo' could also refer to a bald head.
Alternate reading; also used in historical contexts.
Standard modern spelling for the historical term.
The exact derivation is uncertain. The kanji 禿 means 'bald' or 'bare', which may relate to the short, untied hair of children or the baldness sense. The readings かぶろ and かむろ are native Japanese words.