rebellious retainer; vassal who rebels
Historical term for a retainer or vassal who turns against their lord. Used in contexts of feudal rebellion.
During the Warring States period, many rebellious retainers turned against their lords.
逆臣 is a near-synonym also meaning 'rebellious subject', but 反臣 is slightly more specific to retainers/vassals.
Standard kanji form for 'rebellious retainer'.
Alternate kanji form using 叛 (rebel); less common but still encountered.
Compound of 反 (rebel, oppose) and 臣 (retainer, vassal). The alternate form 叛臣 uses 叛, a variant character also meaning 'rebel'.