Oita - Gyudai

...There are various theories about the origin of the word, but it is difficult to be certain. It seems to be related to the fact that when Sancha Joro flowed into Yoshiwara, they adopted the structure of a bathhouse and set up a bench about three feet square called a gyudai, where they waited to solicit customers. The duties were divided into those in charge of administration and accounting (banto/miseban), attracting customers, collecting bills, taking care of the bedding, cleaning, and taking care of food and drink. ...

*Some of the terminology that mentions "Odai" is listed below.

Source | Heibonsha World Encyclopedia 2nd Edition | Information

…語源には諸説あるが確定しがたい。吉原に散茶女郎が流入したときにふろ屋の構造をとり入れ，及台（ぎゆうだい）と呼ぶ3尺角ほどの腰掛けを設け，それに客引きを待機させたことと関係があるらしい。事務や経理の支配人格のもの(番頭･見世番)，客の呼込み，勘定徴収や寝具の始末，掃除と飲食物の世話などに分業された。…

※「及台」について言及している用語解説の一部を掲載しています。

出典｜株式会社平凡社世界大百科事典 第２版について | 情報