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.
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'.