eques

noun

ˈeˌkwes,

ˈēˌkwēz

plural equites

ˈekwəˌtās,

-ˌtēz

: a member of a Roman order between the senatorial order and the ordinary citizen serving originally as cavalry, having entrance requirements based on wealth, and having during some periods exclusive rights to certain judicial, financial, and military positions

called also knight

Word History

Etymology

Latin, literally, horseman, from equus horse

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