Define Samurai Meaning

Samurai
A social class of Japan formed in the 12th century during the conflict between the Taira and Minamoto families during the Heian Era. The elite of society, they were the only class allowed to wear a sword in public (the longer katana and the shorter wakizashi). They refer to themselves as "bushi" rather than "samurai". Each samurai is trained in the art of warfare, martial arts, the sword, or the spear as well as in the way of Bushido. Each region developed their own unique style of swordsmanship or kenjutsu (such as Yagyu Shinkage-ryu as opposed to Itto-ryu) . The samurai is a cultural symbol of the ideal traits of the Japanese people- loyalty, honor,a centered mind, and attention to detail. During times of peace (Tokugawa Shogunate, 1600s+)the samurai would become artisans, farmers, or idlers (ronins/vagabonds). Their decline came in the late 19th century, with the Westernization of Japan and the advancements in weaponry.

Samurai during the 19th century spent more time drinking sake than fighting.
By Essa
Samurai
a fuedal warrior that followed a strict code of moral conduct.They were extremely loyal to their leaders wheter it be a warlord or the emperor of japan.They were masters of the art of swordplay.They would not dishonor themselves by using fire arms either.The word samurai means "to serve".

By Cassandre
Samurai
a samurai is a person of independance and strength, who is able to stand alone, and only participates in collective endeavors for purposes of their own, rather than any feeling of compulsion. They don't feel pressured by society.
They must also be quite skilled and capable relative to the general population.
As well as observant, alert, individualistic, authoritative, mysterious, clever, capable of both courage and stealth, of both bluntness and finesse.
The aesthetic is important, and the samurai's general lifestyle, manner, and dress, must all be quite artful, elegant, and graceful.
Between the samurai and other elite individuals that the samurai has come into contact with/dealt with, there will be quickly struck and intense forms of both loyalties/alliances and enmities/personal wars. These relationships are complex and intricate and can shift dramatically at any time, although they can also be extremely longstanding.

"-Get so-and-so to come out tonight and do this or that.
-No, I can't change their mind, they're a samurai. They'll only come/do this or that if they decide to on their own. Or if their friend such-and-such tells them to."
By Robbin
Samurai
Underrated Suzuki jeeplet with a huge following, known for it's off-road capabilities and ease of service, not popular with the yuppie street-SUV crowd for it's lack of 'Useful' Off-road accessories, like tv screens, 6-place climate controls, or heated leather seats. Amazingly enough an extremely versitile machine... not for the pavement wannabes.

"I ripped the side open on my cadillac SUV, trying to fit in a Samurai-sized gap in the rocks."
By Glennis
Samurai
The feudal, honorable warriors of Japan, equivalent to European knights. They were a class of nobles, highest in the system set by Tokugawa. They were honorable, powerful, and courageous fighters, quite different from ninja, who were the skilled assassins with little to no honor. I believe each side could take on the other, personaly.

The samurai were very brave warriors, 'nuff said. No flames about ninjas beating them!
By Mag
Samurai
The equivalent of the knights of European history. Hired swords who fight for Feudal Lords during wars and the such. Wields a Katana and sometimes a Wakazachi for backup; these swords are of high quality and passed down through many generations, unlike the ninja-to's that ninjas wield. Use a style of swordfighting called Kenpo, in which many different forms with super sweet names exist. It's a shame that ninjas are so much cooler.

person1: yo check out that samurai cutting people up.
person2: yo check out that ninja behind him that he hasn't noticed yet.
person1: woah i totally didnt notice him.
person2: i only noticed him cuz im asian.
By Bride
Samurai
Japanese traduction: servant
Samurais were usually warriors mounted on horses and dueling each others with bows. During the history, samurai devoted their life and their honesty towards the Daimyos, great warlords. Samurais ended up adopting the sword, usually called Katana, rather than the arc. Samurais were following the bushido, the way of the warrior, their code of honor.

By Ariela
Samurai
A creature with all power, it is said a samurai can destroy the universe with a movement of the eyes. Samurais are the best at everything ever, especially sword fighting and gymnastics. Samurais are born when lightning bolts hit the highest peak of everest, they can teleport and run at the speed of light and fly too.

Pete: Oh my god, was that a samurai?
Joe: No it wasn't
Pete: Why not?
Joe: because we'd be dead if it was.
Pete: what was it then?
Joe: probably a slimy, sneaky little buccaneer shrew.
By Michel
Samurai
A social class of people started in the latter 13th century who usually started training at dojos when they were eight or nine. After graduating from these dojos they usually joined the military ruled by the Shogunate or Shogunafter the Sengoku war when the Shogun became the supreme power more samurai came to the scene and joined the Shougnate however these samurai became dogs of the Shogun thus leading to small rebel groups trying to oppose the Shogun, but none were sucessful until the bakumatsu war began. Some samurai rebuked their title and became rurouni. Samurai disappeared after the Meji era. Today many manga artists over-glorify the samurai as cool, good-hearted people but in actuallity most samurai were cold-blooded killers

Samurai is also the name of a cool amusment park ride
By Evvy
Samurai
Ancient Japanese warrior, usually sword-wielding.

By Jocelyne