the deceased; the departed
A respectful or formal noun for a person who has died. Often used when speaking about the person with consideration, as in 故人をしのぶ or 故人の遺志.
Relatives and friends gathered to remember the deceased.
私たちは故人の遺志を受け継ぎたいと思っています。
We hope to carry on the wishes of the departed.
old friend; longtime acquaintance
Dated use meaning an old friend or long-standing acquaintance. In modern Japanese, 旧友 or 古い友人 is normally used instead; 故人 is now overwhelmingly understood as 'the deceased.'
古い文章では、故人が「古くからの友人」を指すことがある。
In older writing, 故人 can refer to a friend of long standing.
Carrying on the deceased's wishes, he established a foundation.
All those present prayed for the repose of the deceased's soul.
We sent a telegram of condolence to the deceased's bereaved family.