also: かんしゅ
noun
chief abbot (of a Buddhist temple)
Refers to the head priest or abbot of a Buddhist temple, especially in certain sects. The reading かんじゅ is standard; かんしゅ is less common.
その寺の貫主は、毎朝早くから読経を始める。
The chief abbot of that temple begins chanting sutras early every morning.
貫主様にお会いできるのは光栄です。
It is an honor to meet the chief abbot.
Variant kanji form; less common but still used.
Alternate reading with variant kanji; rarely used.
住職 is a more general term for the head priest of a Buddhist temple, while 貫主 is a specific title used in certain sects or contexts.
The term 貫主 (or 貫首) is composed of 貫 (kan, 'pierce' or 'carry through') and 主 (shu, 'master' or 'lord'), literally meaning 'one who carries through the teachings' or 'master who penetrates the truth'. The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it is a traditional title for a high-ranking Buddhist abbot.