Hidalgo (Spanish nobility)

A hidalgo or fidalgo was a member of the lower Spanish and Portuguese nobility. Hidalgos were exempt from paying taxes, but did not necessarily own real property.Since the 7th century, the words fijodalgo and fidalgo were used in Spain, especially Castile, to refer to low-ranking landed gentry. Both were corruptions of the term "fijo de algo" (son of something). In the middle ages pronunciation changed to hijodalgo and hidalgo.To qualify as an hidalgo solariego ("ancestral hidalgo"), one had to prove that all four of one's grandparents were hidalgos. One could also receive the title as a reward for meritorious acts, or by joining a fraternity. The natives of Biscay were all born hidalgos, giving them access to military and administrative careers. Unlike other hidalgos who refused manual work as contrary to their honour (as seen in Lazarillo de Tormes), Biscayne universal gentry extended to the lowliest native worker. Hidalgos de bragueta ("fly hidalgoes") obtained tax exemption from having seven sons in a row. Of all those who held the title, hidalgos solariegos were regarded as the most noble and treated with the most respect.
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