noun
guards; garrison soldiers
Refers to soldiers stationed to defend a place, such as a castle, fort, or strategic point. Often used in historical or military contexts.
城の守兵が敵の攻撃に備えていた。
The castle guards prepared for the enemy attack.
守兵たちは夜通し見張りを続けた。
The garrison soldiers kept watch all night.
Compound of 守 (しゅ, 'defend') and 兵 (へい, 'soldier'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning of defensive troops.