alferes
|al-fer-es|
C1
/ælˈfɛrɪs/
military rank
Etymology
Etymology Information
'alferes' originates from Spanish and Portuguese, specifically the word 'alférez', where 'al-' is an Arabic prefix meaning 'the' and 'faris' meant 'knight' or 'horseman'.
Historical Evolution
'alférez' transformed from the Arabic word 'الفارس' (al-fāris), and eventually became the modern Spanish and Portuguese word 'alférez'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'knight' or 'horseman', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of a military rank.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a rank in the Portuguese and Spanish military, equivalent to an ensign or second lieutenant.
The alferes led the troops into battle.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/06/19 07:51