grandee

Grandee is a term used in the English language to denote a person of high rank or great influence, and it has its origins in the Spanish nobility. In Spain, the title Grande de España signifies the highest rank of nobility. Grandes de España were nobles who held the dignity of grandeza, a status conferred by the crown and traditionally attached to certain noble houses. The grandees typically had ceremonial precedence at court and certain privileges in royal settings; the dignity was often hereditary, passing to heirs, and could be associated with one of the great noble titles, such as duke, marquis, or count. The institution played a significant role in Spanish political and social life from the early modern period through the 19th century. In contemporary Spain, grandeza remains a recognized historic and ceremonial dignity, but it carries no special legal privileges beyond those attached to a noble title.

Additionally, in broader English usage, grandee denotes a person of high status or influence within a particular field or society, or someone regarded as important or powerful. The word can carry neutral or slightly ironic overtones depending on context. Etymology traces to Spanish grande, "great," with the agent noun suffix -ee, adopted into English to describe a person who bears the dignity or power associated with the rank.