Definition
诸侯 refers to the vassal lords or feudal princes who ruled semi-autonomous states under the Zhou dynasty (c. 1046–256 BCE). Unlike European feudal lords, 诸侯 were enfeoffed by the Zhou king and held hereditary titles (公, 侯, 伯, 子, 男). The term is central to understanding the political structure of ancient China, especially the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, when these lords grew powerful and challenged the central authority.
n.
feudal lords (in ancient China, vassal rulers under the Zhou dynasty)
Examples
- ，诸侯。Chūnqiū shíqī, zhū hóu zhī jiān jīngcháng fāshēng zhànzhēng.During the Spring and Autumn period, wars frequently broke out among the feudal lords.
- 诸侯，。Zhōu tiānzǐ fēnfēng le zhòngduō zhū hóu, yǐ gǒnggù tǒngzhì.The Zhou king enfeoffed many feudal lords to consolidate his rule.
- 桓诸侯。Qí Huán Gōng shì Chūnqiū shíqī dì yī gè chēngbà de zhū hóu.Duke Huan of Qi was the first feudal lord to become hegemon during the Spring and Autumn period.
Browse more HSK 7-9 words or search the full 43,000-word dictionary.