Japanese

たんしょてっけい
Meaning: an imperial pledge written in vermilion on iron, granted to a meritorious retainer as proof of promised privilege or pardon
Part of Speech: Noun, Four-character idiom

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Example

歴史の講義で、教授は丹書鉄契を功臣に与えられた誓文として説明した。
In a history lecture, the professor explained the iron pledge as an oath document given to a meritorious retainer.

Usage Notes

This is a historical four-character idiom. It points to a formal pledge or token connected with imperial reward and legal leniency.

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