若衆

Readings

Kana: わかしゅ、わかしゅう

Romaji: wakashu, wakashū

Definitions

noun

1

young man (in the Edo period, esp. one with forelocks who has not yet had his coming-of-age ceremony)

2

young male prostitute; young kabuki actor (who may also act as a homosexual prostitute)

3

younger partner in a homosexual relationship

See also: 念者 (reading ねんしゃ, entry #2)

Kanji

若

Readings: ジャク、 ニャク、 ニャ、 わか.い、 わか-、 も.しくわ、 も.し、 も.しくは、 ごと.し

Meanings: young, if, perhaps, possibly, low number, immature

衆

Readings: シュウ、 シュ、 おお.い

Meanings: masses, great numbers, multitude, populace