yamen

American  

[yah-muhn] / ˈyɑ mən /

noun

1. (in the Chinese Empire) the residence or office of a public official.

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yamen British  

/ ˈjɑːmɛn /

noun

1. (in imperial China) the office or residence of a public official

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Etymology

Origin of yamen

1820–30; < Chinese yámen ( yá office + mén gate)

Example Sentences

Near the hall, built exactly like an old yamen, there stands a shed of corrugated iron, and a wonderful old gate leads to a passage furnished with Viennese chairs.

From Empires and Emperors of Russia, China, Korea, and Japan Notes and Recollections by Monsignor Count Vay de Vaya and Luskod by Vay, P?ter

Close to the Mission is the yamen of the Chentai or Brigadier-General, the Military Governor of this portion of the province, and a little further is the more crowded yamen of the Fu Magistrate.

From An Australian in China Being the Narrative of a Quiet Journey Across China to Burma by Morrison, George Ernest

We gather afterwards before the palace gates in a typical yamen, a choice specimen of Chinese domestic architecture, simple in conception, but elaborate in detail.

From Empires and Emperors of Russia, China, Korea, and Japan Notes and Recollections by Monsignor Count Vay de Vaya and Luskod by Vay, P?ter

I had a long wait at the yamen gate while they were arranging where to send me, but by-and-by two yamen-runners came and conducted me to the City Temple.

From An Australian in China Being the Narrative of a Quiet Journey Across China to Burma by Morrison, George Ernest

The officials are still abed when, in the early morning of the third day, we reach Sin-kiang, and repair to the yamen.

From Around the World on a Bicycle - Volume II From Teheran To Yokohama by Stevens, Thomas