逆ぎゃく臣しん

noun

treacherous retainer; rebellious vassal

Historical term for a vassal or retainer who betrays their lord, often in the context of feudal Japan. Rare in modern conversation except when discussing history or period dramas.

• 戦せん国ごく時じ代だいには、逆ぎゃく臣しんが主しゅ君くんを裏うら切ぎる例れいが多おおかった。

  During the Warring States period, there were many cases of treacherous retainers betraying their lords.