moral code; ethical principles
A formal, literary term referring to fundamental moral laws or ethical standards, often in a Confucian or classical context. Not used in everyday conversation.
In classical texts, upholding moral principles was considered the way of the noble person.
A Sino-Japanese compound of 綱 (こう, 'guiding principle' or 'main rope') and 常 (じょう, 'constant' or 'unchanging'), likely derived from classical Chinese texts referring to the fundamental moral bonds of society. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.