great man; hero; outstanding person
Rare, somewhat literary term for a person of exceptional ability or character. Not used in everyday conversation; more common synonyms include 傑物 (けつぶつ) or 偉人 (いじん).
He is truly a person worthy of being called a great man of his era.
Compound of 傑 (excellence, greatness) and 士 (gentleman, samurai, person of high standing). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word follows a classical pattern for describing eminent individuals.