noun
Historical term for the forty-seven masterless samurai who avenged their lord Asano Naganori in the Akō incident (1701–1703). Often used in the context of the Chūshingura story.
赤穂義士の話は、忠義の物語として今も語り継がれている。
The story of the 47 Ronin is still passed down today as a tale of loyalty.
Chūshingura is the fictionalized kabuki/bunraku play based on the Akō incident, while 赤穂義士 refers more directly to the historical figures.
From 赤穂 (Akō, the domain of Lord Asano) and 義士 (righteous samurai, loyal retainers).