Legal Definitions - hidalgo

Definition: In Spain, a man belonging to the lower nobility; a gentleman of property.

Example: In the novel Don Quixote, the main character believes himself to be a hidalgo and goes on adventures to prove his worth as a nobleman.

Explanation: A hidalgo is a person of lower nobility in Spain, typically a gentleman who owns property. In Don Quixote, the main character believes himself to be a hidalgo and acts accordingly, going on adventures to prove his worth as a nobleman.

Definition: In Spain, nobility by descent or lineage.

Example: The Spanish royal family is an example of hidalguia, as they are descended from a long line of nobles.

Explanation: Hidalguia refers to nobility by descent or lineage in Spain. The Spanish royal family is an example of hidalguia, as they are descended from a long line of nobles.

Definition: In England, a measure of land consisting in as much as could be worked with one plow, variously estimated as 30 to 120 acres but probably determined by local usage.

Example: In medieval England, a hide of land was typically enough to support one family or the dwellers in a mansion-house.

Explanation: A hide was a measure of land in medieval England, typically as much as could be worked with one plow. It was estimated to be between 30 to 120 acres, but the actual size was probably determined by local usage. A hide of land was typically enough to support one family or the dwellers in a mansion-house.