bushido

/buˈʃi.doʊ/

BUƩI · doʊ (2 syllables)

English Noun Top 42,302
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Definition

An ethical code of the samurai that was prevalent in feudal Japan that advocated unquestioning loyalty to the master at all costs and obedience in all deeds, valuing honor above life.

Etymology

Borrowed from Japanese 武(ぶ)士(し)道(どう) (bushidō), from Middle Chinese 武士 (mju^X dzri^X, “warrior”) + 道 (daw^X, “way”). Cognate with Mandarin 武士 (wǔshì) and Cantonese 武士 (mou⁵ si⁶).

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