What is the meaning of ?

a pilchard (especially a Japanese pilchard) (Sardinops melanostictus)

Japanese sardine

an uncut sword

on the night of the Setsubun, a pilchard is placed at the entrance along with a (hīragi, Osmanthus heterophyllus) to ward off evil spirits

a prison guard

a pilchard (especially a Japanese pilchard) (Sardinops melanostictus)

a pilchard (especially a Japanese pilchard (Sardinops melanostictus))

Source: wiktionary.org