noun
strong moral integrity; high moral character; chastity; virtue
A formal, somewhat literary term for unwavering moral principle and personal integrity. Often used in ethical or philosophical contexts. The gloss 'chastity' reflects a specific application to sexual morality, but the core meaning is broader moral steadfastness.
彼は徳操の固い人物として知られている。
He is known as a person of firm moral integrity.
古典では、君子の徳操が重んじられた。
In the classics, the moral integrity of a noble person was emphasized.
Compound of 徳 (virtue, morality) and 操 (principle, fidelity). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination conveys a sense of moral steadfastness.