noun
bead string; thread of life
Classical and poetic term. Literally a string of beads, often used metaphorically for the thread of life, especially in waka poetry. Rare in modern everyday speech.
玉の緒の絶えなば絶えねながらへば忍ぶることの弱りもぞする
If the thread of my life must break, let it break; if I live on, my hidden love may weaken.