Tacchu' as well as the word 'toin' later came to refer to a sub-temple built within the grounds of another temple to serve as the residence of a high priest in his retirement.
それから転じて、寺院の敷地内にある、高僧が隠退後に住した子院のことも「塔頭」あるいは「塔院」と呼ぶようになった。