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cacique

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noun ca·cique \ kə-ˈsēk \

Definition of cacique

1 :a native Indian chief in areas dominated primarily by a Spanish culture

2 :a local political boss in Spain and Latin America

—

caciquism

play \-ˈsē-ˌki-zəm\ noun

Recent Examples of cacique from the Web

The arrogance (and stupidity) of the bishops, the nearness of the church with caciques, narcos and all kinds of harmful people and, above all, the silence of the Catholic hierarchy regarding child abuse.

— the new york times, New York Times, "In Mexican Slum, Pope Francis Laments Economic Gap FEB. 14, 2016," 13 Feb. 2016

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cacique.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of cacique

Spanish, from Taino, chief

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First Known Use: 1577

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See words that rhyme with cacique Spanish Central: Translation of cacique Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cacique

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BROWSE DICTIONARY

Cacicus

caciocavallo

cacique

caciquismo

cack

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