noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
beheading (as part of seppuku)
Refers specifically to the act of cutting off the head of a person performing seppuku, either to end their suffering or as a formal part of the ritual. Historical term; not used in modern contexts.
介錯人は切腹する者の首を斬る役目を負っていた。
The kaishakunin was responsible for beheading the person committing seppuku.
彼は主君の介錯を務めたと伝えられている。
It is said that he served as his lord's second in the ritual suicide.
noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', transitive verb
Archaic general meaning of aid or help. Rarely used in modern Japanese; the primary meaning is the historical beheading sense.
古文書には「介錯を請う」といった表現が見られる。
In old documents, expressions like 'to ask for assistance' can be found.