贞烈 (zhēn liè) — (historical) a woman who dies to preserve her chastity; the virtue of such chastity
Definition
A historical noun for a woman who died to preserve her chastity, or that virtue itself — a culturally loaded Confucian ideal praising female fidelity under threat. Used almost only in classical texts, epitaphs, and historical writing.
noun
(historical) a woman who dies to preserve her chastitythe virtue of such chastity
Examples
- 贞烈。Gǔ shí hěn duō nǚ zǐ yǐ zhēn liè wén míng.In ancient times many women became famous for their chastity unto death.
- 贞烈。Shǐ shū jì zǎi le tā de zhēn liè shì jì.The historical records documented her devotion to chastity even at the cost of her life.
- 贞烈。Zhè zuò gǔ bēi shì wèi jì niàn yí wèi zhēn liè nǚ zǐ ér lì.This ancient stele was erected to commemorate a woman who chose death to preserve her chastity.
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