noun
mountain-dwelling robber; brigand
Historical term for a bandit or outlaw living in the mountains, especially in medieval Japan. Not used in modern everyday language.
戦国時代には、野伏せりが旅人を襲うことがあった。
During the Warring States period, mountain brigands would sometimes attack travelers.
山賊 is a more common and general term for bandits in the mountains, while 野伏せり is a specific historical term with a more archaic feel.
The exact derivation is uncertain; the kanji 野 (field/mountain) and 伏せり (lying in ambush) suggest the meaning of 'one who lies in wait in the wilds'.