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

Then they both crossed the river and walked as fast as they could up to the yamen.

From Strange Stories from the Lodge of Leisures by Unknown

This sub-prefect was a man of a very covetous disposition and in all matters connected with the supplies of his yamen he forced the people to commute their obligations into cash payments.

From Wang the Ninth The Story of a Chinese Boy by Putnam Weale, B. L. (Bertram Lenox)

The guests were assembled in the little yamen near the station.

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

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

"It is your duty," interposed his guest, "to proceed to-morrow morning to the mandarin's yamen, and tell your story to the county magistrate, so that a great wrong may not go unpunished."

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