shogun

noun

One of a line of military commanders who from 1192 until 1867 were generally the actual rulers of Japan, although nominally subordinate to the emperor.

noun

General: the title of the commander-in-chief or captain-general of the Japanese army during the continuance of the feudal system in that country.

noun

A title originally conferred by the Mikado on the military governor of the eastern provinces of Japan. By gradual usurpation of power the Shoguns (known to foreigners as Tycoons) became finally the virtual rulers of Japan. The title was abolished in 1867.

noun

The supreme generalissimo of feudal Japan.

noun

a hereditary military dictator of Japan; the shoguns ruled Japan until the revolution of 1867-68