noun
written justification for an assassination; letter explaining reasons for killing an alleged villain
Historical term from the Edo period or similar contexts, used by assassins or vigilantes to publicly state their motives after killing a perceived wrongdoer. Rare in modern usage.
幕末の志士は、標的を討った後、斬奸状を掲げてその理由を世に問うた。
A loyalist at the end of the Edo period would post a written vindication after striking down a target, asking the world to judge the reasons.