noun
hired thief-taker (Edo period); private secret policeman; private detective
Historical term for a civilian hired by the authorities to catch criminals in the Edo period. Also referred to as 岡っ引き (おかっぴき) or 目明かし (めあかし).
岡引きは江戸時代に犯罪者を捕まえるために雇われた民間人だった。
Okahiki were civilians hired to catch criminals in the Edo period.
時代劇では、岡引きが十手を持って町を歩く姿がよく描かれる。
In period dramas, okahiki are often depicted walking through town carrying a jitte.
More common colloquial variant of 岡引き, with the same meaning.
Synonym for 岡引き, also referring to a hired thief-taker in the Edo period.
In its third sense, a synonym for 岡引き; otherwise refers to a delivery person or a police detective.
Compound of 岡 (おか, 'hill' or 'outskirts') and 引き (ひき, 'pulling' or 'catching'). The exact origin is uncertain, but it may refer to catching criminals in the outskirts or outside the official system.