noun

grandee

gran-DEE/ɡrænˈdiː/

A person of high rank, status, or influence.

The grandee stands with attendants in the palace, wearing formal court dress.

A high-ranking Spanish noble of the seventeenth century in restrained historically plausible court dress stands with attendants in a palace, status clear.

Etymology

grandeeSpanishgreat; nobleman of the first rank

Spanish grande turned the idea of being “great” into a title for a top-ranking nobleman. English extends that social greatness to people distinguished by influence as well as formal rank.

In context

The Fallen Crown0:43

He is the sixth Duke of Moctezuma de Tultengo, grandee of Spain.

Montezuma's Descendants Became Spanish Nobles. Where Are They Now?

More examples

Several business grandees attend the mayor's annual dinner.
Even after retirement, she remains a grandee of the theater.
The portrait shows a Spanish grandee in formal court dress.

Forms

grandee · grandees

Similar words

dignitary: Emphasizes an official position deserving public honor or respect.
magnate: Specifically describes someone with great wealth and business power.
notable: Emphasizes public prominence rather than high rank or power.