Online dictionary of history and traditions in Japan: Ronin

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French version

Ronin

浪人
alternative words: Masterless samurai
keywords: title
related topics: Sengoku period , Edo period , Battle of Sekigahara , Samurai , Honda Toshiaki , Hayashi Shihei , Kaieki
related web sites: http://www.mm-taiga.com/genrock/service/taiga/top/g_club/daigaku/24/sei24_03.htm
explanation: Literally "floating man". Initially it designating the errant people, this term became a title of "masterless samurai" during Edo period. During Sengoku period, due to a great number of battles, ronin could find easily another master, but when a peace arrived after battle of Sekigahara, this situation became quickly uncomfortable, and most of ronin remained poor and had to find a new job such as merchant or teacher. Honda Toshiaki and Hayashi Shihei were ronin.