mountain-dwelling robber; brigand
Historical term for a bandit or outlaw living in the mountains, especially in medieval Japan. Not used in modern everyday language.
During the Warring States period, mountain brigands would sometimes attack travelers.
Standard kanji spelling for this historical term.
Alternate kanji spelling; less common.
The exact derivation is uncertain; the kanji 野 (field/mountain) and 伏せり (lying in ambush) suggest the meaning of 'one who lies in wait in the wilds'.