Hidalgo (Spanish nobility)

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An 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, opening 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 ^[1] ("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.

Over the years the title lost its significance. Kings routinely awarded the title in exchange for personal favors. By the time of the reign of the House of Bourbon, over half a million people enjoyed tax exemptions, putting tremendous strain on the state. Attempts were made to reform the title and by the early 19th century it had entirely disappeared, along with the social class it had originally signified.

The prototypical hidalgo is Don Quixote, who is sometimes known as "The Hidalgo". His possessions allowed to him a meager life, devoted to his reading obsession and his concept of honour led him to emulate errant knights.