員外

員外

1. ancient official title
2. (old) landlord; squire

   • 魯達道：「員外錯愛酒家，如何報答？」趙員外便道：「『四海之內皆兄弟也。』如何言報答之事？」 [Written Vernacular Chinese, trad.]
     鲁达道：「员外错爱酒家，如何报答？」赵员外便道：「『四海之内皆兄弟也。』如何言报答之事？」 [Written Vernacular Chinese, simp.]

     From: Shi Nai'an, Water Margin, circa 14^th century CE

     Lǔ Dá dào: “Yuánwài cuò'ài jiǔjiā, rúhé bàodá?” Zhào yuánwài biàn dào: “‘sìhǎizhīnèijiēxiōngdì yě.’ Rúhé yán bàodá zhī shì?” [Pinyin]

     Lu Da said: "Squire, you've been treating this drunkard so well. How can I repay you?" Squire Zhao answered: "Within the four seas, all men are brothers. Why mention repayment?"

   • 乃是寇員外家，他門前有個『萬僧不阻』之牌。 [Written Vernacular Chinese, trad.]
     乃是寇员外家，他门前有个『万僧不阻』之牌。 [Written Vernacular Chinese, simp.]

     From: Wu Cheng'en, Journey to the West, 16^th century CE

     Nǎishì Kòu yuánwài jiā, tā ménqián yǒu ge ‘wànsēng bùzǔ’ zhī pái. [Pinyin]

     This is the home of Squire Kou; before his door there’s also a plaque with the inscription, "Ten Thousand Monks Will Not Be Barred".