three great people; three outstanding figures
Refers to a specific trio of historically eminent individuals, most famously the 'Three Heroes of the Meiji Restoration' (維新の三傑). Used in historical or biographical contexts.
See also: 維新の三傑
The Three Heroes of the Meiji Restoration refer to Takamori Saigo, Toshimichi Okubo, and Takayoshi Kido.
From 三 (three) + 傑 (excellence, hero). A Sino-Japanese compound used to designate a group of three outstanding individuals.