caudillo

American  

[kaw-deel-yoh, -dee-oh, kou-thee-lyaw, -thee-yaw] / kɔˈdil yoʊ, -ˈdi oʊ, kaʊˈði lyɔ, -ˈði yɔ /

noun

plural

caudillos

1. (in Spanish-speaking countries) a head of state, especially a military dictator.

---

caudillo British  

/ kɔːˈdiːljəʊ, kauˈðiʎo /

noun

1. (in Spanish-speaking countries) a military or political leader

---

Etymology

Origin of caudillo

1850–55; < Spanish < Late Latin capitellum, equivalent to Latin capit- (stem of caput ) head + -ellum diminutive suffix; see -elle

Explanation

A Spanish warlord or powerful military leader is known as a caudillo. Usually, a caudillo exerts complete control over the country's armed forces. The term caudillo, which is used in Spain and Latin America, comes from the Latin caput, or "head." The most well-known caudillo in history was one who proudly assumed the title, though it's often used in a derogatory way. During the Spanish Civil War, Spain's General Francisco Franco began calling himself caudillo, inspired by the German Führer and Italian Duce, both titles for authoritarian military rulers.