The term "shuto," for which "doshu" is also used, is a term from after the Heian period that referred to the status of a priest who originally resided in a big temple and was in charge of the management and practical business of the temple as well as studying and practicing ascetic training.
衆徒（しゅと）は、堂衆（どうしゅ/どうしゅう）とも呼ばれ、本来は平安時代以後に大寺院に居住して学問・修行の他に寺内の運営実務にあたった僧侶身分のこと。