Eunuch (Noun)
Meaning
A man who has been castrated and is incapable of reproduction; "eunuchs guarded the harem".
Classification
Nouns denoting people.
Examples
- The emperor had many eunuchs serving in his palace, tasked with guarding the imperial family and attending to their needs.
- Historically, eunuchs were often employed as guardians of royal harems, as they were seen as less of a threat to the king's wives.
- The infamous eunuch, Wei Zhongxian, rose to great power in Ming China by controlling the emperor and purging his enemies from court.
- Eunuchs were often appointed to high-ranking positions in the government of ancient China, due in part to their inability to start a family or create rival dynasties.
- The Ottoman Empire was known for its use of eunuchs as administrators and advisors, many of whom were enslaved as children and underwent castration to serve the sultan.