noun · the gods of earth (She) and grain (Ji) to whom ancient Chinese rulers offered sacrifices

古代天子每年都要在坛庙祭祀社稷，祈求五谷丰登。

noun · the nation or country, used metonymically as the altars symbolized the legitimacy of the regime

他胸怀壮志，誓要为社稷的安定贡献一生。