1.
tale of heroic exploits; bragging story
Originally a story of a warrior's brave deeds. Now usually a story someone tells about their own bold or reckless past exploits, such as fights, drinking feats or narrow escapes, often with a hint of boasting.
Usage
In modern use the word is mostly ironic: a 武勇伝 is a story the teller is proud of and the listeners have heard before. It is used of one's own past as well as of others, sometimes self-mockingly.
Common collocations
- 武勇伝を語る: to tell tales of one's exploits
- 昔の武勇伝: stories of one's past exploits
- 武勇伝を披露する: to regale people with one's exploits