heroine; woman of strong moral character
Refers to a woman who displays unwavering integrity, courage, or moral strength, often in the face of adversity. Somewhat literary and less common in everyday conversation.
彼女は苦難に耐えた烈女として知られている。
She is known as a heroine who endured hardships.
Composed of 烈 (intense, severe, ardent) and 女 (woman). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the combination conventionally conveys a woman of fierce moral resolve.