讒ざん臣しん

noun

slanderous retainer; libelous vassal

Historical term for a courtier or vassal who slanders others to the ruler. Not used in modern everyday Japanese; appears in classical literature and historical descriptions.

• 讒ざん臣しんの言こと葉ばに惑まどわされ、王おうは忠ちゅう臣しんを遠とおざけた。

  Deceived by the words of a slanderous retainer, the king distanced himself from his loyal vassals.