private army; private soldiers
Refers to armed forces maintained by a private individual or organization, not by the state. Often used in historical or political contexts.
中世の貴族は私兵を抱えていた。
Medieval nobles kept private armies.
その企
The company has a security force like a private army.
Compound of 私 (private) and 兵 (soldier). The reading しへい is the standard on'yomi combination.