letter of challenge; written challenge to a duel
A formal written challenge, historically used to demand satisfaction or a duel. Now mostly encountered in historical or dramatic contexts.
He sent a letter of challenge to his opponent to demand a duel.
Standard kanji spelling.
Variant with たし written as し; less common but still used.
Compound of 果たし (from verb 果たす 'to carry out, to settle') and 状 ('letter, document'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term is associated with samurai-era formal challenges.