noun
eldest child; first-born child; heir
Refers to the eldest child, especially the one who inherits the family name or estate. Sense 2 (child who carries on the family name) is a natural extension of the first-born role in traditional family systems.
彼は総領として家を継いだ。
As the eldest child, he succeeded to the family estate.
総領の娘はしっかり者だ。
The eldest daughter is a reliable person.
noun
pre-ritsuryō provincial official
Archaic historical term. In the pre-ritsuryō system, an official appointed in key provinces to oversee administration of his home and surrounding provinces. Not used in modern Japanese.
律令制以前、総領は地方行政の要だった。
Before the ritsuryō system, the sōryō was a key figure in local administration.
noun
head of a warrior clan (Kamakura period)
Archaic historical term. Refers to the leader of a warrior clan during the Kamakura period. Not used in modern Japanese.
鎌倉時代、総領は武士団を統率した。
During the Kamakura period, the sōryō led the warrior band.
The exact derivation is uncertain. The kanji 総 (all, general) and 領 (territory, control) suggest a person with overall authority, which fits both the family heir and the historical official senses.