noun
cowardly or depraved samurai
A derogatory term for a samurai who lacks honor, courage, or moral integrity. Often used in historical or literary contexts to criticize a warrior who behaves shamefully.
彼は敵を前にして逃げ出した犬侍だと噂された。
He was rumored to be a cowardly samurai who fled before the enemy.
腰抜け侍 also means 'cowardly samurai' but emphasizes cowardice more directly (腰抜け = 'lacking guts'). 犬侍 carries a stronger moral condemnation, implying depravity or dishonor beyond mere fear.
Compound of 犬 (dog) and 侍 (samurai). The exact origin is uncertain, but it likely arose as a pejorative metaphor comparing a dishonorable samurai to a dog, an animal sometimes associated with lowliness or servility in historical Japanese culture.