geisha

geisha, a member of a professional class of women in Japan whose traditional occupation is to entertain men, in modern times, particularly at businessmen’s parties in restaurants or teahouses. The Japanese word geisha literally means “art person,” and singing, dancing, and playing the samisen (a lutelike instrument) are indispensable talents for a geisha, along with the ability to make conversation. Many geisha are also adept at flower arranging, performing the tea ceremony, or calligraphy. The...