A samurai without a lord was called a Ronin
Ronin are samurai without a master
When a Samurai has no master, they are referred to as Ronin I believe.
The difference between a shogun and a samurai is like the difference between a king and a knight.
Ronin who were master-less Samurai .
they are the positions in which a samurai serves his daimyo
The samurai were responsible only to their master who in turn were part of a chain of alliances ranging up to the emperor. Samurai had no lateral responsibility and if told to attacker kill an equal would do so without hesitation. Ronin (masterless samurai) were pretty much on their own. Challenges were e met, failure to accept challenges was not an option for samurai or ronin.
A masterless Samurai is called a 'Ronin' (literally: drifting person).
You may may be thinking of 'Ronin', who were Samurai without a master to serve.
In traditional samurai culture, a ronin—masterless samurai—did not necessarily have to kill himself upon the death of his master. While seppuku (ritual suicide) was an honored practice for samurai to restore honor after a failure or loss, a ronin could choose to live on and serve a new master or lead an independent life. Ultimately, the decision was personal and varied based on individual circumstances and beliefs.
Rurouni Kenshin or Samurai Champloo
A ronin, a masterless samurai from feudal Japan, typically wears traditional samurai attire, which includes a kimono, hakama trousers, and a haori jacket. He often carries a katana, symbolizing his warrior status, and may have visible signs of wear, reflecting his wandering lifestyle and lack of a lord. The ronin's appearance can also convey a sense of melancholy or introspection, as he navigates a life of independence and uncertainty.