noun
oyabun
noun
1
The top boss of a yakuza crime family.
"The oyabun ruled the gang with absolute authority, answering to no one."
How to Use Oyabun
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe head of a yakuza clan, treated almost like a father figure by its members.
Word Forms
oyabuns plural, oyabun plural
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The _____ ruled the gang with absolute authority, answering to no one.
Etymology
Borrowed from Japanese, literally "foster parent," reflecting the family-like hierarchy of yakuza organisations.