- Grandee.
- Member of the early nobility, with vast estates and/or wealth and well endowed in character, hence 'rich' in possessions and in qualities. The designation could include the title of baron or count, or even military leaders. These were responsible for offering the king a set number of men-at-arms, but were only under the obligation to join in battle if the king participated too. In periods of peace they were free to serve other lords abroad. During times of peace, they participated in important administrative duties and were members of the king's counsel. The vassals of a rico-homem enjoyed special privileges.
- See: Santa Rosa Viterbo, Elucidário das palavras, termos e frases que em Portugal antigamente se usaram e que hoje regularmente se ignoram, vol. 2, pp. 192-193 (Lisbon: A. J. Fernandes Lopes, 1865).
Lexical Types:
Chronicle entries in which Rico-homem appears:
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