Definitions

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition.

  • noun The traditional code of the Japanese samurai, stressing honor, self-discipline, bravery, and simple living.

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun The code of moral principles which the knights and warriors of feudal Japan were required to put into practice in all circumstances and relations of life; knightly spirit and conduct; chivalry; gentlemanly politeness and honor; integrity, devotion, and duty to one's superiors, and unswerving loyalty to the mikado.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

  • noun The unwritten code of moral principles regulating the actions of the Japanese knighthood, or Samurai; the chivalry of Japan.

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

  • noun traditional code of the Japanese samurai which stressed courage and loyalty and self-discipline and simple living

Etymologies

from The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 4th Edition

[Japanese bushidō : bushi, warrior (from Middle Chinese ʋuə̆´ ʂɦr̩`, knight, warrior : ʋuə̆´, martial, military + ʂɦr̩`, man of the official class, soldier) + , way; see aikido.]

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Examples

  • They learnt the Buddhist and Taoist traditions of India and China and melded it into their own Shinto philosophy to obtain Bushido, which is in my opinion, the most powerful words I have seen written about how a man should live.

    Western Press Vilifies Princess' Decision to Marry 2005

  • Another Japanese tradition of long standing is known in modern times as Bushido, which is identical with a deep-rooted conception having its origins in the early feudal system of Japan.

    China and the Post-War World 1943

  • Never, it is alleged, has Japan been soiled by the disobedient and rebellious acts common in other countries; while at the same time the Japanese nation, sharing to some extent in the supernatural virtues of its rulers, has been distinguished by a high-minded chivalry called Bushido, unknown in inferior lands.

    The Invention of a New Religion Basil Hall Chamberlain 1892

  • Apr. 27th, 2010 07: 05 pm (UTC) found a YouTube video of the drumming, of "Bushido", from this tour, though it's not Boston.

    "Your new gods, your new ways, all seek to dispel me." greygirlbeast 2010

  • I found a YouTube video of the drumming, of "Bushido", from this tour, though it's not Boston.

    "Your new gods, your new ways, all seek to dispel me." greygirlbeast 2010

  • I think the point is rather like the 'Bushido' code.

    The Speculist: Death Still Sucks 2004

  • I think the point is rather like the 'Bushido' code.

    The Speculist: January 2005 Archives 2004

  • It is somehow alien to the Eastern mind to practice this totally European thing called chivalry, and in spite of all their twaddle about "Bushido" they do not understand that a prisoner-of-war who is helpless must not be kicked around, must not be outraged, and must be treated generously in consequence.

    Some Experiences as a Medical Officer with the Royal Army Medical Corps 1946

  • Before White had turned over three pages of the great fascicle of manuscript that was called Book Two, he had found the word "Bushido" written with a particularly flourishing capital letter and twice repeated.

    The Research Magnificent 1906

  • The many strong and noble characters which glorify the feudal era are the product of Japonicized Confucianism, "Bushido," and bear powerful witness to its practical emphasis on personality.

    Evolution Of The Japanese, Social And Psychic Sidney Lewis Gulick 1902

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