Kofuku-ji Temple was a powerhouse holding sway over the entire province of Yamanto in medieval times, and the word 'shuto' refers to samurai warriors dressed like Buddhist priests who served Kofuku-ji Temple and is almost synonymous with 'sohei (priest soldiers)'.
興福寺は中世には大和一国を支配する大勢力であり、衆徒とは同寺に仕えた法体の武士で、「僧兵」とほぼ同義である。