capo

¹ American  

[key-poh] / ˈkeɪ poʊ /

noun

plural

capos

1. any of various devices for a guitar, lute, banjo, etc., that when clamped or screwed down across the strings at a given fret will raise each string a corresponding number of half tones.

2. the nut of a guitar, lute, banjo, etc.

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capo ² American  

[kah-poh, kap-oh] / ˈkɑ poʊ, ˈkæp oʊ /

noun

plural

capos

1. the chief of a branch of the Mafia.

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capo ¹ British  

/ ˈkeɪpəʊ, ˈkæpəʊ /

noun

1. Also called: capo tasto.  a device fitted across all the strings of a guitar, banjo, etc, so as to raise the pitch of each string simultaneously Compare barré

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capo ² British  

/ ˈkapo, ˈkæpəʊ /

noun

1. the presumed title of a Mafia leader

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Etymology

Origin of capo¹

1875–80; < Italian, shortening of capotasto capotasto

Origin of capo²

1960–65; < Italian: head, leader < Vulgar Latin *capum for Latin caput; chief

Example Sentences

With his sensitive interpretations, Mr. Costanzo was the standout among the singers, but they all gamely tackled the challenges of their full da capo arias.

From The Wall Street Journal

That so many corrupt functionaries and cartel capos ultimately face responsibility in the United States — and not in Mexico — underscores a fundamental weakness of the Mexican justice system, observers say.

From Los Angeles Times

He was sanctioned 10 times for violating the order in his current case until he came up with the novel tactic of having his red-tied capos do the threatening for him.

From Salon

These boys never formed a hierarchy with foot soldiers reporting to lieutenants, who sat under capos, and on and up.

From Salon

These witnesses and tape recordings confirm that the orders came from the top - from the boss or the capo, or the consigliere of the family.

From Salon