Crusados

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Former gold or silver coins of Portugal, often featuring a cross on their design ; early Portuguese monetary units used mainly during the 15th and 16th centuries ; historical currency pieces circulated in the Age of Exploration
2. Old Portuguese denomination for coins stamped with a cross ; money minted in Portugal during the era of overseas expansion ; antique coins that served as legal tender in medieval Iberia
3. Medieval and Renaissance Portuguese money bearing a cross motif ; historical coins used for trade and commerce in Portugal and its colonies ; obsolete units of currency integral to the Portuguese economy centuries ago

Etymology: The term "crusados" refers to a type of gold coin that was historically used in Portugal and its colonial territories. Its origin is closely tied to the medieval and early modern period when European nations minted various coins named after significant cultural or religious symbols. The word itself derives from the Portuguese "cruzado," which means "crossed" or "bearing a cross," a reference to the prominent cross symbol that appeared on the coin's face. This symbol was connected to the Crusades and Christian iconography, reflecting the religious fervor and political identity of the era. The crusado was first issued in the 15th century during the reign of King João II of Portugal. It was minted to standardize currency and facilitate trade within Portugal and its expanding overseas empire. The cross on the coin represented not only faith but also the Portuguese crown's authority and the kingdom’s involvement in the Crusader legacy, which was a powerful source of legitimacy and pride at the time. Etymologically, the root "cruz" in Portuguese comes from the Latin "crux," meaning "cross." The suffix "-ado" in Portuguese is often used to form adjectives or nouns indicating possession or connection, so "cruzado" literally means "one who has a cross" or "crossed." The plural "crusados" reflects the common Portuguese plural ending "-os." The term migrated into English usage primarily in historical and numismatic contexts to refer to these specific coins. Over time, the crusado coins evolved in design and value, but the name remained tied to the imagery of the cross, preserving their symbolic and monetary significance. Although no longer in circulation, the term survives in historical texts and collections, providing a window into the cultural and economic history of Portugal’s golden age of exploration and empire.

Synonyms: cruzados, Portuguese coins