also: そう
noun
Refers to unwavering loyalty, integrity, or moral steadfastness, often in a somewhat literary or formal context.
彼は生涯、自らの操を貫いた。
He remained true to his principles throughout his life.
noun
chastity; faithfulness (of a woman)
Specifically refers to a woman's sexual fidelity or faithfulness to her husband. Often used in traditional or literary contexts.
昔の女性は夫への操を何よりも重んじた。
Women in the past valued faithfulness to their husbands above all else.
The kanji 操 carries meanings of 'manipulate' or 'conduct', but in this reading みさお it is used for moral steadfastness. The exact derivation of みさお is uncertain; it may be a native Japanese word later associated with this kanji.