In some domains, retainers were classified into 3 classes, 'Joshi, Kachi, Sotsu or Ashigaru,' but the top two classes (Kishi and Kachi) were considered Shibun.
諸藩には「上士・徒士（かち）・卒または足軽」と藩士を3階級に分ける制が見られるが、このうち上層2身分（騎士と徒士）が士分とされる。