岡おかっ引ぴき

noun

Edo-period hired thief taker; private detective

Historical term for a civilian who assisted the authorities in catching criminals during the Edo period, often working on a commission basis. Similar to 目明かし and 御用聞き.

See also: 目明し · 御用聞き

• 岡おかっ引ぴきは江え戸ど時じ代だいに犯はん罪ざい者しゃを捕つかまえるのを手伝てつだった。

  Okappiki helped catch criminals during the Edo period.

• 時じ代だい劇げきでは、岡おかっ引ぴきが町まちを探たん索さくする場ば面めんがよく出でてくる。

  In period dramas, scenes of okappiki patrolling the town often appear.