fleeing warrior; deserter
Historical term for a samurai who has fled from a lost battle or abandoned his lord. Often carries a sense of disgrace and being hunted down.
The fleeing warrior hid in the mountains to escape his pursuers.
During the Warring States period, hunting down fleeing warriors was rampant.
Standard kanji spelling.
Variant spelling without okurigana.
Compound of 落ち (ochi, continuative form of 落ちる 'to fall, flee') + 武者 (musha, 'warrior').