Definition
门下 (mén xià) literally means 'under the gate' and historically referred to retainers or followers who lived under the patronage of a powerful aristocrat or official. In a broader sense, it also refers to a disciple or student who studies under a master. The word carries a classical, literary flavor and is used in historical or formal contexts.
n.
hanger-on of an aristocratretainerdisciplefollower (of a master)
Examples
- 门下。Tā céngjīng shì nà wèi quánguì de mén xià.He was once a hanger-on of that powerful aristocrat.
- 门下。Kǒngzǐ de mén xià zhōng yǒu hěn duō zhùmíng de xuézhě.Among Confucius's disciples there were many famous scholars.
- ，门下。Zài gǔdài, xǔduō wénrén tóukào guìzú zuò mén xià.In ancient times, many literati attached themselves to nobles as retainers.
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