It was used to refer to the residing forces who were in rivalry with outside rulers such as the bakufu (Japanese feudal government headed by a shogun), shugo (provincial constable), and manor lords, and who aimed for their own regional dominance.
幕府や守護、荘園領主など外部の支配層に対抗する在地勢力の意味で使われ、独自の領域支配をめざした。