Definition

1. Noun:
   • A member of the feudal Japanese military aristocracy: The "samurai" were a hereditary warrior class in pre-modern Japan, serving as retainers to powerful lords (daimyo) and the shogun. They were bound by a strict code of honor known as bushidō.
   • A Japanese warrior: This refers specifically to an individual warrior belonging to this class, skilled in martial arts and military strategy.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The samurai were loyal to their lord above all else.
  • He studied the history of the samurai and their code of conduct.

Advanced Usage

• "Samurai spirit": Refers to the values of loyalty, honor, discipline, and courage associated with the samurai class.
  • Even in modern business, some admire the samurai spirit of dedication.
• As an attributive noun: Used to describe things related to the samurai.
  • The museum has an impressive collection of samurai armor.

Variants and Related Words

• Bushidō (n): The ethical code of the samurai, emphasizing virtues like loyalty, honor, and self-discipline.
• Daimyo (n): A powerful feudal lord in Japan who commanded samurai.
• Ronin (n): A masterless samurai, no longer serving a lord.

Synonyms

• Warrior: A person engaged or experienced in warfare.
• Knight: (In a comparative feudal context) A man who served his sovereign or lord as a mounted soldier in armor.

Related Phrases

• "Last samurai": A phrase often used to denote the end of an era or the final upholders of a traditional way.
  • He was considered one of the last samurai of the old school.

Related Idioms

• "To die like a samurai": To face death with honor and courage, adhering to one's principles.
  • He was determined to face his fate and die like a samurai.

Noun

1. feudal Japanese military aristocracy
2. a Japanese warrior who was a member of the feudal military aristocracy