kabuki bench
Only when written 合い引き / 合引き
A bench used by kabuki actors during a performance; a specialized theatrical term.
simultaneous troop withdrawal
Refers to both enemy and allied forces pulling back their troops at the same time; a military term.
returning arrow fire
The act of responding to enemy arrow fire with one's own arrow fire; an archaic military term.
On the kabuki stage, a bench called 合い引き is sometimes used.
Both armies carried out a simultaneous withdrawal, and the fighting was temporarily suspended.
In battles of the Warring States period, 相引き, or returning arrow fire in response to the enemy's arrows, was practiced.
Standard kanji spelling for the general meaning of mutual pulling back or simultaneous withdrawal.
Variant spelling; less common but still used.
Spelling specifically associated with the kabuki bench sense.
Variant of 合い引き, also for the kabuki bench sense.
Compound of 相 (あい, mutual) and 引き (ひき, pulling), from the verb 引く (ひく, to pull). The specific meanings derive from the idea of mutual pulling or simultaneous action.