also: てきにん
Archaic term for an enemy or opponent, especially in battle or competition. In modern Japanese, 敵 (てき) is used instead.
In old war tales, warriors are depicted striking down their enemies.
opposing party in a lawsuit
Archaic legal term for the opposing party in a lawsuit. This usage is obsolete and not found in contemporary Japanese.
The word 敵人 is hardly ever used in modern times.
In Edo-period court records, the expression 敵人 can sometimes be seen.
Alternate reading てきにん is rare and not commonly used.
The word is composed of 敵 (enemy) and 人 (person), literally 'enemy person'. It is an archaic term that has been replaced by 敵 in modern usage.