cacique
cacique Lexical Profile
cacique Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A local political boss or influential figure who exercises substantial power in a specific region, especially in Spain and Latin America.
"The town's elections were heavily manipulated by a wealthy cacique who controlled most of the local businesses."
A chief or leader of an indigenous group in the Caribbean, Central America, or South America, particularly historically among the Taíno people.
"When the Spanish explorers arrived in the Caribbean, they negotiated treaties directly with the local cacique."
A brightly colored tropical American bird of the blackbird family (Icteridae), noted for its highly vocal behavior and the construction of long, hanging woven nests.
"During our jungle trek in Costa Rica, the guide pointed out a yellow-rumped cacique building its intricate hanging nest."
• Rhymes for cacique
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed into Spanish from the Taíno word 'kasike', meaning 'king' or 'chief', and later adopted into English in the mid-16th century to describe native leaders and eventually local political bosses.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.