noun
kabuki bench
Only when written 合い引き / 合引き
A bench used by kabuki actors during a performance; a specialized theatrical term.
歌舞伎の舞台では、合い引きと呼ばれるベンチが使われることがある。
On the kabuki stage, a bench called 合い引き is sometimes used.
noun
simultaneous troop withdrawal
Refers to both enemy and allied forces pulling back their troops at the same time; a military term.
両軍は相引きを行い、一時的に戦闘が中断された。
Both armies carried out a simultaneous withdrawal, and the fighting was temporarily suspended.
noun
returning arrow fire
The act of responding to enemy arrow fire with one's own arrow fire; an archaic military term.
戦国時代の合戦では、敵の矢に応じて矢を射返す相引きが行われた。
In battles of the Warring States period, 相引き, or returning arrow fire in response to the enemy's arrows, was practiced.
Compound of 相 (あい, mutual) and 引き (ひき, pulling), from the verb 引く (ひく, to pull). The specific meanings derive from the idea of mutual pulling or simultaneous action.