also: あくけい
noun
villain role; villain's part
Primarily used in kabuki to refer to the role of a villain or antagonist. Can also be used metaphorically for a person playing a villainous role in a situation.
彼は歌舞伎で悪形を得意としている。
He specializes in villain roles in kabuki.
あの政治家はいつも悪形を演じている。
That politician is always playing the villain.
noun
bad shape; poor formation
Used in board games like shogi and othello to describe a disadvantageous or awkward arrangement of pieces. Not used for physical shape of objects.
この局面では、先手が悪形に陥っている。
In this position, the first player has fallen into a bad shape.
悪形を避けるために、その手は指さなかった。
I didn't play that move to avoid a poor formation.
Alternate kanji form using 方 (person/role), seen in kabuki contexts for the villain role.
Compound of 悪 (aku, 'bad, evil') and 形 (kata/kei, 'shape, form, role'). The reading あくがた is the more common kun'yomi-based reading, while あくけい is a rare on'yomi reading used in game terminology.