Yokozuna

Origin

From Japanese 横綱 ‘wide rope’, the symbol of their rank worn about the waist.

Full definition of yokozuna

Noun

1. (sumo) The highest rank of sumo wrestler, above ozeki; a grand champion.
• 1997, A yokozuna is the very highest rank in sumo – “just like Mameha's position in Gion,” as Nobu explained it to me. I had no reason to doubt him; but if Mameha ever took half as much time entering a party as these yokozuna took entering the ring, she'd certainly never be invited back. — Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha (Vintage 1998, p. 202)

Usage notes

Technically, yokozuna is an honorary title, rather than a rank.