common foot soldier (feudal Japan); lowest-ranking samurai
Historical term for low-ranking foot soldiers in feudal Japan, often equipped with light armor and a spear.
During the Warring States period, ashigaru played an important role on the battlefield.
I heard that his ancestor was an ashigaru.
commander of a troop of foot soldiers (ashigaru)
From 足 (foot) + 軽 (light), referring to lightly armored foot soldiers. The reading あしがる is a historical shift from あしがろ.