noun
unswerving loyalty; steadfast devotion
A somewhat literary or formal term for unwavering loyalty, often used in historical or dramatic contexts.
彼の忠烈な心は、主君への変わらぬ忠誠を示していた。
His unswerving loyalty demonstrated his unchanging devotion to his lord.
Composed of 忠 (loyalty) and 烈 (intense, ardent). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination conveys fervent, unwavering loyalty.