Samurai (侍?) are soldiers who are in service to a daimyō, or feudal lord, as loyal retainers. In terms of hierarchy, they are placed at the top of the Tokugawa government's social class and are the only ones who are permitted to wield swords. Samurai who are without a master are known as rōnin (浪人? Literally meaning: "drifter" or "wanderer").
Samurai
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Doctrine
The samurai live by the ethical code of conduct known as bushidō (武士道? Literally meaning: the way of the warrior). Bushidō mainly emphasizes the principles of honor, frugality, righteousness, courage, benevolence, respect, sincerity, loyalty, and self-control. Having the mental capacity of being fearless, as well as not losing one's resolve to doubt, has been pointed out to be important aspects a samurai must have. Bushidō dictates that if a samurai were to show disgrace, or lose their sense of honor, they would have to commit a suicide ritual known as seppuku to have that honor restored for themselves or for their families.
Women
Women of the samurai class are given the main duty of maintaining the family household. A daughter to a samurai who is head of a clan is put in an arranged marriage where they are set to be wed to the next head and are given the duty of bearing children for the next generation of the clan. Women also have the option of becoming a samurai but are looked down on by the male samurai.