Bushido

Definition

The code of moral principles that samurais were required to observe; it stressed loyalty, courage, honor among other virtues.

Related terms

Chivalry: The medieval knightly system with its religious, moral, and social code. It's the European equivalent to Bushido.

Seppuku: A form of Japanese ritual suicide by disembowelment. It was originally reserved for samurai in their code of honor.

Honor: High respect; esteem, a person's standards of behavior or beliefs concerning what is and is not acceptable for them to do.