noun
oiran; high-ranking courtesan
Historical term for a top-tier courtesan in Edo-period Japan, known for elaborate kimono, hairstyles, and cultural refinement.
花魁道中は江戸時代の華やかな風物詩だった。
The oiran procession was a glamorous spectacle of the Edo period.
Archaic, broadened use; now largely replaced by more specific terms. Rarely encountered outside historical contexts.
古い文献では、花魁が単に遊女を指すこともある。
In old documents, 花魁 can simply refer to a prostitute.
Derived from a phrase used by lower-ranking courtesans addressing their seniors, possibly from おいらの所の姉さん (our elder sister). The kanji 花魁 (flower leader) are ateji.