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

The chains were taken from the tiger's neck, and the great animal walked silently out of the yamen, down the street, and through the gate opening towards his beloved mountain cave.

From A Chinese Wonder Book by Chu-T'ang, Li

Even here, at the yamen of the prime minister of China, dirt and dilapidation were evident on every hand.

From Across Asia on a Bicycle by Allen, Thomas Gaskell

During his residence he had built for himself a splendid yamen of granite and marble.

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

As soon as the warders had admitted the waiting crowd outside, the soldiers, advancing at a run, quickly reached the yamen, and arrested the Prefect.

From Chinese Folk-Lore Tales by Macgowan, J. (John)

The official yamen, and the staff of dignitaries of various degrees, are here exactly what they are everywhere else.

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