Entity: SAMURAI
Samurai were members of the Japanese warrior caste who practiced the code of conduct known as Bushido. They were skilled military retainers of daimyo, serving as elite warriors in feudal Japan.
SAMURAI
Etymology
The term 'samurai' originally meant 'warrior' or 'knight' in Japanese.
Definition
Samurai were warriors of elite stature in pre-seventeenth-century Japan who practiced the code of Bushido and served as military retainers of daimyo.
Historical Context
Samurai emerged in the 12th century and became a dominant warrior class in feudal Japan, playing a crucial role in Japanese history until the 1800s.
Cultural Significance
Samurai were known for their loyalty, honor, and martial prowess, embodying the principles of Bushido. They influenced Japanese culture, art, and literature.
Related Concepts
Samurai were closely associated with Bushido, the code of conduct emphasizing honor, loyalty, and self-discipline.
See Also
- Bushido
- Daimyo
- Feudal Japan
A warrior of elite stature in pre-seventeenth-century Japan, practicing the code of Bushido and serving as a military retainer of a daimyo.