Vocabulario Californio
This glossary includes many of the words found in documents written in Alta California before 1848 and defines such words as they were used at that time. Note that although accent marks (diacritical marks) are used in this list, such marks were sometimes omitted in the handwritten documents.
The following rules/explanations should be kept in mind.
Spanish words ending with 'a' are feminine, with 'o' are masculine.
The initial 'h' may be omitted.
The following letter pairs are interchangeable:
'b' = 'v'; 'i' = 'y'; 'x' = 'j'; 'f' = 'ph'; 's' = 'z'; 'ze' = 'ce'.
The letter "ñ" is a separate letter of the alphabet which follows "n."
At one time "ch" and "ll" were also separate letters of the alphabet, but we are using the modern Spanish alphabet for this list.
A
abajo/a = under, below, lower.
abilitado - see habilitado.
abordo = aboard.
abuelo/a = grandparent .
abuelos maternos = mother's parents.
abuelos paternos = father's parents.
adoptivo/a = adoptive, adopted.
afinidad = relationship, usually a relationship by
marriage or an illicit sexual relationship which
required a dispensation to be married.
agregado = gathered together, included.
ahorcado (orcado)= hanged.
ajusticiado = executed.
alajas = valuables.
a la mañanita = at day break.
al anochecer = at nightfall.
alamito = small cottonwood.
álamo = cottonwood.
albañil = mason, usually a stonemason.
alcalde = official of a community; head of the local
council, having both executive and judicial, as well
as some legislative powers. Appointed or elected for
one year.
alférez = lowest rank of army officer, corresponding to
ensign in the U.S. Navy, or second lieutenant in the
U.S. Army. Not to be confused with the Spanish term
"teniente," which was a much higher rank.
alférez de defensores = public defender, defense attorney.
aliso = alder tree, the native alder is the white alder.
alto/a = high, tall; upper.
Alta California = "Upper" California, roughly what is
now the current states of California, Nevada, Utah,
and Arizona north of the Gila river.
amansebados (amancebados) = living in concubinage;
unmarried.
ambos = both.
anclado = anchored.
antes = before.
Antigua California = Baja California
Antigua España = Spain (in Europe).
año = year.
armada = navy.
arreglo = government regulation.
arribo/a = above, higher.
arriero = muleteer.
articulo de la muerte = at the point of death.
asesor = a legally trained person who served as a
consultant to a lay judge, governor, or a legislative
body. (California had very few of these.)
asistencia = a chapel in an outlying area where services
were held by mission priests at irregular intervals.
aspirante = candidate for military or public office.
avecinado = residing.
averiguación = investigation.
ayudante = assistant, aide.
ayuntamiento = governing body, usually the city council
of a pueblo.
B
baile = dance, ball.
Baja California = "Lower" California, the peninsula
comprising the current Mexican states of Baja
California and Baja California Sur. In this time period,
the religious, military, and civil center was Loreto.
balazo = gunshot.
bandido = bandit, outlaw.
bastante = sufficient.
bautismo = baptism.
bautizar = to baptize.
bautize = I baptized.
boca = mouth. In place names, the mouth of a stream or river.
bolsa = pocket, neck of land between water or swamp.
borregas = lambs.
brea = tar, used as a roofing material.
buque = ship.
C
c.c. (casado con) = married to.
cemo. (cementerio) = cemetery.
comande. (comandante) = commandant.
comde. (comandante) = commandant.
compa. (compañía) = company.
corl. (coronel) = colonel.
-------------------------------
caballería = cavalry.
caballero = cavalryman, gentleman.
cabo = corporal (military).
cadete = cadet (military).
cajón = box canyon, place boxed in by hills.
calesa = two or four wheeled carriage.
calofate del buque = ship's caulker.
Californiano = a resident of either Alta or Baja California.
Californias = term referring to both Alta and Baja California.
In earlier documents, Nueva and Antigua California.
Californio = a resident of either Alta or Baja California.
Neophytes from Baja were referred to as Californios.
Cámara de Diputados = Mexican House of
Representatives, in Mexico City.
Campo Santo = holy ground, a cemetery consecrated by
the Catholic Church.
canales (Canales) = canals, the name of a presidio in
Durango; channels, the Santa Barbara area (Channel
Islands). Sometimes the Santa Barbara presidio was
called Presidio de Canales.
cantero = stonecutter.
cañada = glen or dale.
capellán = chaplain.
capitán = captain, a high military rank, approximately
equal to colonel in the U.S. Army. Also used to refer
to the Indian chief of a ranchería.
carnal = closely related by blood.
carta = letter, chart, document.
casado con (c.c.) = married to.
casta = a term referring to non "Españoles."
Catalonian Volunteers = see Voluntarios de Cataluña.
Cataluña, Cathaluña = Catalonia Spain.
cementerio (cemo., zemo.) = cemetery.
cepo (zepo) = stocks.
cerca = near.
cerrito = small hill.
chanter = (an English word) one who chants. In this
period, one who chanted Gregorian chants, which
was a prominent part of Catholic masses; also one
who led the padre into the church at the beginning of
mass.
chico/a = small.
chiquito/a = very small.
ciego = blind.
ciénega = marsh, swamp.
cinco = five.
cirujano = surgeon.
cocina = kitchen.
cocinero = cook.
comandante (comande., comde.) = commandant.
comisionado = those empowered by the government to
perform some official function.
Comisionado de Policia = police inspector. Usually the
head of a civil body charged with enforcing the laws.
como = about, approximately.
compañía (compa.) = company.
complir con = comply with.
conjuges = married couple.
conquistadores = conquerors; the very early Spanish
soldiers in New Spain. For services to church and
crown, they and their descendants were given special privileges.
consanguinidad = relationship by blood.
consorte = husband/wife, spouse.
conste lo firme = that it be so, I signed it.
contramaestre = boatswain.
contrayento = betrothed.
convinado = belonging.
coronel (corl.) = colonel.
costura = seamstress.
coyote = a person of mixed race: Español, Indian, and Negro.
criado = manservant.
cual = which.
cuatro = four.
cundado/a = sister/brother-in-law.
D
d. (día) = day.
dfto/a. (difunto/a) = deceased person.
dho/a. (dicho/a) = aforesaid.
Dn. (Don) = mister, sir.
Dna. (Doña) = lady.
-------------------------------
de la mañana = in the morning.
de la tarde = in the afternoon.
desfiliado/a = neophyte removed from the rolls of a
mission.
desgraciado = unfortunate.
día (d.) = day.
día antecedente = the day before.
día anterior = the day before.
diablo = devil.
días tras días = day after day.
dicho/a (dho/a.) = aforesaid.
Diegueños = early Spanish name for San Diego Indian
tribes, now called Kumya'ay.
diez = ten.
difunto/a (dfto/a.) = deceased person.
diligencias matrimonial - see informaciones.
diputación = council, usually elected.
diseño = map, sketch attached to land claims.
di sepultura eclesiática = gave ecclesiastical burial.
doce = twelve.
domiciliados = residing.
Domingo de Ramos = Palm Sunday (used as a name).
Don (Dn.) = mister, sir.
doncella = young lady, unmarried.
Doña (Dna.) = lady.
duda = doubt.
E
ECN (en casu necessitatis) = in case of necessity.
EPM (en peligro de muerte, en periculo mortis) = in peril
of death.
ebrio = drunk, inebriated.
edad = age.
ejército = army.
encargado de justicia = a judge similar to juez de paz.
en casu necessitatis (ECN) = in case of necessity.
encinitos = small live oaks.
encinos = live oaks, evergreen as opposed to "robles"
which were deciduous oaks.
enfermero = nurse.
en la mar = at sea.
en peligro de muerte (EPM) = in peril of death.
en periculo mortis (EPM) = in peril of death.
entonce = formerly, then.
entrada = entrance, entry.
enyervado = poisoned.
errero see herrero.
escándalo = scandal.
escolta = the squad of soldiers assigned to protect a mission or a pueblo
(normally five soldiers and one corporal).
escuadra = squadron (military).
español = a person of primarily Spanish ancestry. In
practice in California, sometimes applied to anyone
who had fully assimilated into the Hispanic
culture including Indian, mestizo, mulatto and coyote.
esperanza = hope.
espiritual = related spiritually through the godparent relationship.
esposo/a = spouse.
estero = tidal creek, salt marsh.
expósito/a = foundling, abandoned child.
F
falleció = died.
feligrés = parishioner.
fiscal = prosecuting attorney, specially appointed to
handle a particular case on behalf of the public
interest.
fondo piadoso = the Pious Fund, a benevolent fund of
the Catholic Church to promulgate the faith and care
for the needy.
fragata = frigate.
G
gobr. (gobernador) = governor.
govr. (gobernador) = governor.
-------------------------------
gemelo/a = twin.
gente de razón = "people of reason," non-Indian; a
member of the established Christian community. This
sometimes included second generation Indians, as
well as some neophytes who had assimilated into the
community.
gentile = in this period, applied to Indians who had not been baptized.
gobernador (gobr., govr.) = governor.
golpe = a blow.
Guatmotal = place name, probably near Capistrano.
H
h.l. (hijo/a legitimo/a) = legitimate child.
-------------------------------
habilitado = paymaster, quartermaster.
hacienda = large home.
hechar el agua = sprinkle water (baptize).
hermano/a = sister/brother.
herrero = blacksmith.
hijo/a = son, daughter. from Diccionario de la Real
Academia
~ = hijo~ espurio, ria.1. m. y f. hijo bastardo.2. m. y . hijo ilegítimo de padre desconocido.~ habido, da, en buena guerra.1. m. y. hijo habido fuera del matrimonio.~ ilegítimo, ma.1. m. y . hijo de padre y madre no unidos entre sí por matrimonio.~ incestuoso, sa.1. m. y f. hijo habido por incesto.~ legitimado, da.1. m. y f. hijo natural que se equipara en todo al legítimo por subsiguiente matrimonio de los padres o parcialmente por concesión real.~ legítimo, ma.1. m. y f. hijo nacido de legítimo matrimonio~ mancillado, da.1. m. y f. hijo espurio.~ natural. 1. m. y f. hijo habido de mujer soltera y padre libre, que podían casarse al tiempo de tenerlo.2. m. y f. Corrientemente se toma por hijo ilegítimo.
hijo/a espurio = illegitimate children of parents who
could not marry, where one or both parents were
currently married to someone else. The term appears
infrequently, when the padre was annoyed with one
or both of the parents.
hijo/a legitimo/a (h.l.) = legitimate child.
hijo/a natural = properly, illegitimate son or daughter of
parents who could marry. Actually used generally for
illegitimate children.
hoy (oi) = today.
huérfano/a = orphan.
huerta = garden, orchard.
huesos = bones.
I
indio/a = Indian.
informaciones = documents establishing that a couple
were eligible to marry under the rules set up by the
Council of Trent. They were required for all
marriages.
ingle = groin.
inominado/a = unnamed.
in periculo mortis = in peril of death.
inválido = retired soldier.
item = ditto.
J
jacalón = hut made of branches.
jarazo = wound with a dart.
juez de campo = acted as judge and jury at a rodeo to
decide the ownership of disputed animals. His
decision was final.
juez de paz = justice of the peace, who handled local
disputes, primarily civil.
junta = a group joined together to pursue a cause.
Sometimes applied to governing councils.
K
L
leguas = leagues (about 3.5 miles).
legitimate = make legitimate by subsequent marriage previous hijos naturales.
Theoretically hijos espurios could not be legitimatized, however, it is clear
that this occurred.
Libro de Bautizados = Book of Baptisms, where all
baptisms were recorded, includes the full names of
both parents, sometimes with all grandparents,
occupation of the father, and always the padrinos.
Libro de Confirmaciones = Book of Confirmations,
where all confirmations were recorded, included the
name of the confirmed, parents of children, madrino
or padrino, and sometimes the age. (Boys had
padrinos, girls madrinas, which is helpful to
determine the sex of the child.)
Libro de Difuntos = Book of Deaths, where all deaths
were recorded, usually the parents were named, or
spouse for adults, and sometimes the baptismal
number for Indian deaths.
Libro de Matrimonios = Book of Marriages, where all
marriages were recorded, included the names of
bride and groom, whether they were single, widow or
widower, usually the names of their parents,
dispensations if any, and the names of witnesses.
line = one twelfth of an inch.
llamada = named.
lugar = place.
M
M-R (Monte-Rey) = Monterey.
Misn. = Mission.
-------------------------------
madre = mother.
madrina = godmother.
madrugada = dawn.
maestre = mate of a merchant ship.
maestro = master, highly skilled artisan.
mala vida = "bad life", a euphemism for prostitute; also
applied to women of notoriously bad moral
character.
mallorquín = of or from Majorca.
mañana = tomorrow, later, never; morning.
marido/a = spouse.
marinero = mariner, sailor.
mayordomo = steward, overseer.
media- = half- (as media hermana = half-sister).
media noche = midnight.
medio día = noon.
mes = month.
mestizo = of mixed Spanish-Indian blood.
mismo = same.
modo = manner.
monte = mountain, hill; back country.
Monte-Rey (M-R) = Monterey.
morador = resident.
morba = disease.
mozo = young man, man-servant, bachelor.
mucho/a = much, many.
muchacho/a = girl/boy.
muger = wife, woman.
mulato/a = person of mixed Black and European
ancestry.
N
n. = no name.
n.n. (notario nombrado) = notary.
N.S. (Nuestra Señora) = Our Lady.
natl. (natural) = native of.
no. (nuevo) = new.
-------------------------------
nacer = to be born.
nacido/a = born.
natural (natl.) = native of.
neofito/a = local Indian, baptized, but not fully
assimilated into the Hispanic society, a neophyte.
nieto/a = grandchild.
nino/a = girl/boy.
notario nombrado (n.n.) = notary.
noche = night.
noche antes = the night before.
novio/a = fiancée, fiancé, sweetheart.
nuevo/a (no.) = new.
Nueva California = Alta California.
nueve = nine.
Nuestra Señora (N.S.) = Our Lady.
nutria = otter.
O
ocho = eight.
oi - see hoy.
once = eleven.
orcado - see ahorcado.
orejano = unbranded calf or colt of uncertain
parentage.
originario = originally a resident of.
orilla = edge, shore.
P
p. (padre) = father; priest.
p.n.c. (padre no conocido) = father unknown.
pdo = presidio.
pps. (padres) = parents.
privadmte. (privadmente) = privately.
prova. (provincia) = province.
-------------------------------
padrasto = stepfather.
padre (p.) = father; priest .
padre no conocido (p.n.c.) = father unknown.
padres (pps.) = parents.
padrino = godfather.
padrinos = godparents, with the obligation to ensure
the proper spiritual upbringing of a child and also to
provide support and care in case of death
or disability of the parents. Also, the sponsor at
confirmation.
padrón = census, also the ongoing record of all Indian
neophytes and families belonging to a mission.
palo = tree.
playa = beach.
paquebot = packet (ship).
párroco (parroquia) = parish.
parto = childbirth.
párvulo/a = young child.
perteneciente = pertaining, belonging.
pila = font (baptismal).
piquete = picket, a small body of troops.
plantar = establish, settle.
plaza = place, position.
pluma = quill, writer, scribe.
poblador = settler. Usually applied to the first settlers
of a pueblo.
poco = little, few.
poniendome = placing on me.
por la tarde = in the afternoon.
por necesidad = of necessity.
prefect = local official.
pregunta = question.
presbitero = priest.
presidario = convict, prisoner.
presidio = garrisoned fort. There were five in the
Californias: Loreto, San Diego, Monterey, San
Francisco, and Santa Barbara. A fully manned
garrison was fifty-five, including officers, although it
was frequently less, from which the escoltas were
drawn for each mission and pueblo.
preso = prisoner.
primo/a = cousin.
primer (o) = first, chief, leading.
privadmente (privadmte.) = privately.
propio = proper, one's own.
provincia (prova.) = province.
pueblo = specifically, chartered town, i.e., San Jose,
Los Angeles, and Branciforte. After secularization,
there were others.
puente = bridge.
puerto = seaport.
punta = point of land.
Q
quince = fifteen.
R
r.n. (recién nacido) = recently born.
rancha. (ranchería) = Indian village.
rl. (real) = royal.
rn (recién nacido) = recently born.
-------------------------------
rana = frog.
ranchería (rancha.) = Indian village.
rancho = large land holding with cattle.
real (rl.) = royal.
reales = Spanish coins, 1/8 of a peso, about 12.5 cents,
a "bit."
recién nacido (r.n./rn) = recently born.
refugio (Refugio) = refuge. (Also, a given name.)
regidor = councilman (lower than alcalde).
reino = kingdom.
repentimente = suddenly.
respuesta = reply, answer.
retirado = retired.
rey (rei) = king.
rico = rich.
rincón = nook, small piece of land.
rodeo = round up of stock.
S
s. (soldado) = soldier.
s.c. (soldado de cuera) = leather jacket soldier.
s.v. (soldado voluntario = volunteer soldier, Catalonian
volunteer.
sargto. (sargento) = sergeant (military).
sirvte. (sirviente) = servant, employee.
Sn., S. = San (as in San Carlos).
-------------------------------
sacó de pila = to stand sponsor, to be godparent.
sangrador = blood-letter.
sanja (Zanja Santiago!) = war-cry of the Spanish, used
also as the starting signal for a horse race.
santo = holy.
sarampión = measles.
sargento (sargto.) = sergeant (military).
secularización = secularization; the conversion of all
Mission properties to civilian use, begun in the
1830s.
seguridad = security, certainty.
sentó plaza = enlisted.
sien = temple, head.
seis = six.
semana = week.
serbiente = servant. Frequently also applied to artisan
employees.
siete = seven.
síndico = town attorney concerned with pueblo
ordinances, permits for dances, fairs, etc. However, it
has a broader meaning of trustee, receiver,
overseeing officials of some sort or another.
sirviente (sirvte.) = servant, employee.
sitio = small farm.
sobre = about.
sobrino/a = niece/nephew.
soldado (s.) = soldier.
soldado de cuera (s.c.) = leather jacket soldier. The
common soldier of the Southwest, usually mounted.
The jacket was a knee length coat of seven layers of
deer hide, effective against arrows, but not bullets.
soldado distinguido = soldier given extra privileges,
usually due to belonging to a ranking family, i.e. he
did not perform K.P. or latrine duty.
soldado voluntero (s.v.) = volunteer soldier, Catalonian volunteer.
soltero/a = single person, never married.
sordo = deaf.
sor (sur) = south.
supercargo = (an English word) a ship's officer in
charge of cargo. Usually responsible for sales and
purchase of hides and tallow.
T
t. (téstigo) = witness.
tene. (teniente) = lieutenant (military).
thene. (teniente) = lieutenant (military).
tt. (téstigos) = witnesses.
-------------------------------
también = also.
teja = roof tile.
teniente (tene., thene.) = lieutenant (military).
téstigo (t.) = witness.
téstigos (tt.) = witnesses.
téstigos de asista = witnesses to marriage ceremony.
téstigos prior = those who testified to the
marriageability of the couple.
tiempo = time.
tonelero = cooper.
trajo (traxo) = brought.
trece = thirteen.
tres = three.
tule = tule, reed, rush.
tutor = teacher, guardian of a minor.
U
uno = one.
V
v. (voluntario) = volunteer (military), usually used for
the Catalonian volunteers.
vol. (voluntario) = volunteer (military), usually used for
the Catalonian volunteers.
-------------------------------
vara = measure of length about a yard.
voluntario (v., vol.) = volunteer (military), usually used
for the Catalonian volunteers
valle = valley.
vecindad = vicinity, inhabitants of a place.
vecino (s) = resident (s), neighbor (s).
velación = literally, the blessing of a marriage. Although
couples could be married at any time, the velación
could not be performed during certain periods such
as Lent and Advent, so that this final sacrament of
marriage could occur considerably after the marriage.
Normally both ceremonies were performed together.
víbora = rattlesnake.
viejo/a = old person.
vigilante = member of a vigilance committee, an
unauthorized committee organized for the
maintenance of order and summary punishment of
crime in the absence of regular or efficient courts.
visitador general = ecclesiastical inspector of missions
and parishes.
vino = came.
viruelas = smallpox.
viudo/a = widow/widower.
vocal = member of a committee or governing body.
voluntario (v., vol.) = volunteer (military), usually used
for the Catalonian volunteers.
Voluntarios de Cataluña = Catalonian Volunteers, a
group of about 100 soldiers recruited in Catalonia
Spain in the late 1700s for service on the frontier of
New Spain. As time passed, recruits came from
Mexico, but their ancestry was supposed to be from
Catalonia.
W
X
Y
ygla. (yglesia) = church.
-------------------------------
yglesia (ygla.) = church.
Z
zemo. (zementerio) = cemetery.
-------------------------------
zaguán = entrance.
zanja = ditch.
Zanja Santiago! - see sanja.
zementerio (zemo.) = cemetery.
zepo (cepo) = stocks.
This glossary includes many of the words found in documents written in Alta California before 1848 and defines such words as they were used at that time. Note that although accent marks (diacritical marks) are used in this list, such marks were sometimes omitted in the handwritten documents.
The following rules/explanations should be kept in mind.
Spanish words ending with 'a' are feminine, with 'o' are masculine.
The initial 'h' may be omitted.
The following letter pairs are interchangeable:
'b' = 'v'; 'i' = 'y'; 'x' = 'j'; 'f' = 'ph'; 's' = 'z'; 'ze' = 'ce'.
The letter "ñ" is a separate letter of the alphabet which follows "n."
At one time "ch" and "ll" were also separate letters of the alphabet, but we are using the modern Spanish alphabet for this list.
A
abajo/a = under, below, lower.
abilitado - see habilitado.
abordo = aboard.
abuelo/a = grandparent .
abuelos maternos = mother's parents.
abuelos paternos = father's parents.
adoptivo/a = adoptive, adopted.
afinidad = relationship, usually a relationship by
marriage or an illicit sexual relationship which
required a dispensation to be married.
agregado = gathered together, included.
ahorcado (orcado)= hanged.
ajusticiado = executed.
alajas = valuables.
a la mañanita = at day break.
al anochecer = at nightfall.
alamito = small cottonwood.
álamo = cottonwood.
albañil = mason, usually a stonemason.
alcalde = official of a community; head of the local
council, having both executive and judicial, as well
as some legislative powers. Appointed or elected for
one year.
alférez = lowest rank of army officer, corresponding to
ensign in the U.S. Navy, or second lieutenant in the
U.S. Army. Not to be confused with the Spanish term
"teniente," which was a much higher rank.
alférez de defensores = public defender, defense attorney.
aliso = alder tree, the native alder is the white alder.
alto/a = high, tall; upper.
Alta California = "Upper" California, roughly what is
now the current states of California, Nevada, Utah,
and Arizona north of the Gila river.
amansebados (amancebados) = living in concubinage;
unmarried.
ambos = both.
anclado = anchored.
antes = before.
Antigua California = Baja California
Antigua España = Spain (in Europe).
año = year.
armada = navy.
arreglo = government regulation.
arribo/a = above, higher.
arriero = muleteer.
articulo de la muerte = at the point of death.
asesor = a legally trained person who served as a
consultant to a lay judge, governor, or a legislative
body. (California had very few of these.)
asistencia = a chapel in an outlying area where services
were held by mission priests at irregular intervals.
aspirante = candidate for military or public office.
avecinado = residing.
averiguación = investigation.
ayudante = assistant, aide.
ayuntamiento = governing body, usually the city council
of a pueblo.
B
baile = dance, ball.
Baja California = "Lower" California, the peninsula
comprising the current Mexican states of Baja
California and Baja California Sur. In this time period,
the religious, military, and civil center was Loreto.
balazo = gunshot.
bandido = bandit, outlaw.
bastante = sufficient.
bautismo = baptism.
bautizar = to baptize.
bautize = I baptized.
boca = mouth. In place names, the mouth of a stream or river.
bolsa = pocket, neck of land between water or swamp.
borregas = lambs.
brea = tar, used as a roofing material.
buque = ship.
C
c.c. (casado con) = married to.
cemo. (cementerio) = cemetery.
comande. (comandante) = commandant.
comde. (comandante) = commandant.
compa. (compañía) = company.
corl. (coronel) = colonel.
-------------------------------
caballería = cavalry.
caballero = cavalryman, gentleman.
cabo = corporal (military).
cadete = cadet (military).
cajón = box canyon, place boxed in by hills.
calesa = two or four wheeled carriage.
calofate del buque = ship's caulker.
Californiano = a resident of either Alta or Baja California.
Californias = term referring to both Alta and Baja California.
In earlier documents, Nueva and Antigua California.
Californio = a resident of either Alta or Baja California.
Neophytes from Baja were referred to as Californios.
Cámara de Diputados = Mexican House of
Representatives, in Mexico City.
Campo Santo = holy ground, a cemetery consecrated by
the Catholic Church.
canales (Canales) = canals, the name of a presidio in
Durango; channels, the Santa Barbara area (Channel
Islands). Sometimes the Santa Barbara presidio was
called Presidio de Canales.
cantero = stonecutter.
cañada = glen or dale.
capellán = chaplain.
capitán = captain, a high military rank, approximately
equal to colonel in the U.S. Army. Also used to refer
to the Indian chief of a ranchería.
carnal = closely related by blood.
carta = letter, chart, document.
casado con (c.c.) = married to.
casta = a term referring to non "Españoles."
Catalonian Volunteers = see Voluntarios de Cataluña.
Cataluña, Cathaluña = Catalonia Spain.
cementerio (cemo., zemo.) = cemetery.
cepo (zepo) = stocks.
cerca = near.
cerrito = small hill.
chanter = (an English word) one who chants. In this
period, one who chanted Gregorian chants, which
was a prominent part of Catholic masses; also one
who led the padre into the church at the beginning of
mass.
chico/a = small.
chiquito/a = very small.
ciego = blind.
ciénega = marsh, swamp.
cinco = five.
cirujano = surgeon.
cocina = kitchen.
cocinero = cook.
comandante (comande., comde.) = commandant.
comisionado = those empowered by the government to
perform some official function.
Comisionado de Policia = police inspector. Usually the
head of a civil body charged with enforcing the laws.
como = about, approximately.
compañía (compa.) = company.
complir con = comply with.
conjuges = married couple.
conquistadores = conquerors; the very early Spanish
soldiers in New Spain. For services to church and
crown, they and their descendants were given special privileges.
consanguinidad = relationship by blood.
consorte = husband/wife, spouse.
conste lo firme = that it be so, I signed it.
contramaestre = boatswain.
contrayento = betrothed.
convinado = belonging.
coronel (corl.) = colonel.
costura = seamstress.
coyote = a person of mixed race: Español, Indian, and Negro.
criado = manservant.
cual = which.
cuatro = four.
cundado/a = sister/brother-in-law.
D
d. (día) = day.
dfto/a. (difunto/a) = deceased person.
dho/a. (dicho/a) = aforesaid.
Dn. (Don) = mister, sir.
Dna. (Doña) = lady.
-------------------------------
de la mañana = in the morning.
de la tarde = in the afternoon.
desfiliado/a = neophyte removed from the rolls of a
mission.
desgraciado = unfortunate.
día (d.) = day.
día antecedente = the day before.
día anterior = the day before.
diablo = devil.
días tras días = day after day.
dicho/a (dho/a.) = aforesaid.
Diegueños = early Spanish name for San Diego Indian
tribes, now called Kumya'ay.
diez = ten.
difunto/a (dfto/a.) = deceased person.
diligencias matrimonial - see informaciones.
diputación = council, usually elected.
diseño = map, sketch attached to land claims.
di sepultura eclesiática = gave ecclesiastical burial.
doce = twelve.
domiciliados = residing.
Domingo de Ramos = Palm Sunday (used as a name).
Don (Dn.) = mister, sir.
doncella = young lady, unmarried.
Doña (Dna.) = lady.
duda = doubt.
E
ECN (en casu necessitatis) = in case of necessity.
EPM (en peligro de muerte, en periculo mortis) = in peril
of death.
ebrio = drunk, inebriated.
edad = age.
ejército = army.
encargado de justicia = a judge similar to juez de paz.
en casu necessitatis (ECN) = in case of necessity.
encinitos = small live oaks.
encinos = live oaks, evergreen as opposed to "robles"
which were deciduous oaks.
enfermero = nurse.
en la mar = at sea.
en peligro de muerte (EPM) = in peril of death.
en periculo mortis (EPM) = in peril of death.
entonce = formerly, then.
entrada = entrance, entry.
enyervado = poisoned.
errero see herrero.
escándalo = scandal.
escolta = the squad of soldiers assigned to protect a mission or a pueblo
(normally five soldiers and one corporal).
escuadra = squadron (military).
español = a person of primarily Spanish ancestry. In
practice in California, sometimes applied to anyone
who had fully assimilated into the Hispanic
culture including Indian, mestizo, mulatto and coyote.
esperanza = hope.
espiritual = related spiritually through the godparent relationship.
esposo/a = spouse.
estero = tidal creek, salt marsh.
expósito/a = foundling, abandoned child.
F
falleció = died.
feligrés = parishioner.
fiscal = prosecuting attorney, specially appointed to
handle a particular case on behalf of the public
interest.
fondo piadoso = the Pious Fund, a benevolent fund of
the Catholic Church to promulgate the faith and care
for the needy.
fragata = frigate.
G
gobr. (gobernador) = governor.
govr. (gobernador) = governor.
-------------------------------
gemelo/a = twin.
gente de razón = "people of reason," non-Indian; a
member of the established Christian community. This
sometimes included second generation Indians, as
well as some neophytes who had assimilated into the
community.
gentile = in this period, applied to Indians who had not been baptized.
gobernador (gobr., govr.) = governor.
golpe = a blow.
Guatmotal = place name, probably near Capistrano.
H
h.l. (hijo/a legitimo/a) = legitimate child.
-------------------------------
habilitado = paymaster, quartermaster.
hacienda = large home.
hechar el agua = sprinkle water (baptize).
hermano/a = sister/brother.
herrero = blacksmith.
hijo/a = son, daughter. from Diccionario de la Real
Academia
~ = hijo~ espurio, ria.1. m. y f. hijo bastardo.2. m. y . hijo ilegítimo de padre desconocido.~ habido, da, en buena guerra.1. m. y. hijo habido fuera del matrimonio.~ ilegítimo, ma.1. m. y . hijo de padre y madre no unidos entre sí por matrimonio.~ incestuoso, sa.1. m. y f. hijo habido por incesto.~ legitimado, da.1. m. y f. hijo natural que se equipara en todo al legítimo por subsiguiente matrimonio de los padres o parcialmente por concesión real.~ legítimo, ma.1. m. y f. hijo nacido de legítimo matrimonio~ mancillado, da.1. m. y f. hijo espurio.~ natural. 1. m. y f. hijo habido de mujer soltera y padre libre, que podían casarse al tiempo de tenerlo.2. m. y f. Corrientemente se toma por hijo ilegítimo.
hijo/a espurio = illegitimate children of parents who
could not marry, where one or both parents were
currently married to someone else. The term appears
infrequently, when the padre was annoyed with one
or both of the parents.
hijo/a legitimo/a (h.l.) = legitimate child.
hijo/a natural = properly, illegitimate son or daughter of
parents who could marry. Actually used generally for
illegitimate children.
hoy (oi) = today.
huérfano/a = orphan.
huerta = garden, orchard.
huesos = bones.
I
indio/a = Indian.
informaciones = documents establishing that a couple
were eligible to marry under the rules set up by the
Council of Trent. They were required for all
marriages.
ingle = groin.
inominado/a = unnamed.
in periculo mortis = in peril of death.
inválido = retired soldier.
item = ditto.
J
jacalón = hut made of branches.
jarazo = wound with a dart.
juez de campo = acted as judge and jury at a rodeo to
decide the ownership of disputed animals. His
decision was final.
juez de paz = justice of the peace, who handled local
disputes, primarily civil.
junta = a group joined together to pursue a cause.
Sometimes applied to governing councils.
K
L
leguas = leagues (about 3.5 miles).
legitimate = make legitimate by subsequent marriage previous hijos naturales.
Theoretically hijos espurios could not be legitimatized, however, it is clear
that this occurred.
Libro de Bautizados = Book of Baptisms, where all
baptisms were recorded, includes the full names of
both parents, sometimes with all grandparents,
occupation of the father, and always the padrinos.
Libro de Confirmaciones = Book of Confirmations,
where all confirmations were recorded, included the
name of the confirmed, parents of children, madrino
or padrino, and sometimes the age. (Boys had
padrinos, girls madrinas, which is helpful to
determine the sex of the child.)
Libro de Difuntos = Book of Deaths, where all deaths
were recorded, usually the parents were named, or
spouse for adults, and sometimes the baptismal
number for Indian deaths.
Libro de Matrimonios = Book of Marriages, where all
marriages were recorded, included the names of
bride and groom, whether they were single, widow or
widower, usually the names of their parents,
dispensations if any, and the names of witnesses.
line = one twelfth of an inch.
llamada = named.
lugar = place.
M
M-R (Monte-Rey) = Monterey.
Misn. = Mission.
-------------------------------
madre = mother.
madrina = godmother.
madrugada = dawn.
maestre = mate of a merchant ship.
maestro = master, highly skilled artisan.
mala vida = "bad life", a euphemism for prostitute; also
applied to women of notoriously bad moral
character.
mallorquín = of or from Majorca.
mañana = tomorrow, later, never; morning.
marido/a = spouse.
marinero = mariner, sailor.
mayordomo = steward, overseer.
media- = half- (as media hermana = half-sister).
media noche = midnight.
medio día = noon.
mes = month.
mestizo = of mixed Spanish-Indian blood.
mismo = same.
modo = manner.
monte = mountain, hill; back country.
Monte-Rey (M-R) = Monterey.
morador = resident.
morba = disease.
mozo = young man, man-servant, bachelor.
mucho/a = much, many.
muchacho/a = girl/boy.
muger = wife, woman.
mulato/a = person of mixed Black and European
ancestry.
N
n. = no name.
n.n. (notario nombrado) = notary.
N.S. (Nuestra Señora) = Our Lady.
natl. (natural) = native of.
no. (nuevo) = new.
-------------------------------
nacer = to be born.
nacido/a = born.
natural (natl.) = native of.
neofito/a = local Indian, baptized, but not fully
assimilated into the Hispanic society, a neophyte.
nieto/a = grandchild.
nino/a = girl/boy.
notario nombrado (n.n.) = notary.
noche = night.
noche antes = the night before.
novio/a = fiancée, fiancé, sweetheart.
nuevo/a (no.) = new.
Nueva California = Alta California.
nueve = nine.
Nuestra Señora (N.S.) = Our Lady.
nutria = otter.
O
ocho = eight.
oi - see hoy.
once = eleven.
orcado - see ahorcado.
orejano = unbranded calf or colt of uncertain
parentage.
originario = originally a resident of.
orilla = edge, shore.
P
p. (padre) = father; priest.
p.n.c. (padre no conocido) = father unknown.
pdo = presidio.
pps. (padres) = parents.
privadmte. (privadmente) = privately.
prova. (provincia) = province.
-------------------------------
padrasto = stepfather.
padre (p.) = father; priest .
padre no conocido (p.n.c.) = father unknown.
padres (pps.) = parents.
padrino = godfather.
padrinos = godparents, with the obligation to ensure
the proper spiritual upbringing of a child and also to
provide support and care in case of death
or disability of the parents. Also, the sponsor at
confirmation.
padrón = census, also the ongoing record of all Indian
neophytes and families belonging to a mission.
palo = tree.
playa = beach.
paquebot = packet (ship).
párroco (parroquia) = parish.
parto = childbirth.
párvulo/a = young child.
perteneciente = pertaining, belonging.
pila = font (baptismal).
piquete = picket, a small body of troops.
plantar = establish, settle.
plaza = place, position.
pluma = quill, writer, scribe.
poblador = settler. Usually applied to the first settlers
of a pueblo.
poco = little, few.
poniendome = placing on me.
por la tarde = in the afternoon.
por necesidad = of necessity.
prefect = local official.
pregunta = question.
presbitero = priest.
presidario = convict, prisoner.
presidio = garrisoned fort. There were five in the
Californias: Loreto, San Diego, Monterey, San
Francisco, and Santa Barbara. A fully manned
garrison was fifty-five, including officers, although it
was frequently less, from which the escoltas were
drawn for each mission and pueblo.
preso = prisoner.
primo/a = cousin.
primer (o) = first, chief, leading.
privadmente (privadmte.) = privately.
propio = proper, one's own.
provincia (prova.) = province.
pueblo = specifically, chartered town, i.e., San Jose,
Los Angeles, and Branciforte. After secularization,
there were others.
puente = bridge.
puerto = seaport.
punta = point of land.
Q
quince = fifteen.
R
r.n. (recién nacido) = recently born.
rancha. (ranchería) = Indian village.
rl. (real) = royal.
rn (recién nacido) = recently born.
-------------------------------
rana = frog.
ranchería (rancha.) = Indian village.
rancho = large land holding with cattle.
real (rl.) = royal.
reales = Spanish coins, 1/8 of a peso, about 12.5 cents,
a "bit."
recién nacido (r.n./rn) = recently born.
refugio (Refugio) = refuge. (Also, a given name.)
regidor = councilman (lower than alcalde).
reino = kingdom.
repentimente = suddenly.
respuesta = reply, answer.
retirado = retired.
rey (rei) = king.
rico = rich.
rincón = nook, small piece of land.
rodeo = round up of stock.
S
s. (soldado) = soldier.
s.c. (soldado de cuera) = leather jacket soldier.
s.v. (soldado voluntario = volunteer soldier, Catalonian
volunteer.
sargto. (sargento) = sergeant (military).
sirvte. (sirviente) = servant, employee.
Sn., S. = San (as in San Carlos).
-------------------------------
sacó de pila = to stand sponsor, to be godparent.
sangrador = blood-letter.
sanja (Zanja Santiago!) = war-cry of the Spanish, used
also as the starting signal for a horse race.
santo = holy.
sarampión = measles.
sargento (sargto.) = sergeant (military).
secularización = secularization; the conversion of all
Mission properties to civilian use, begun in the
1830s.
seguridad = security, certainty.
sentó plaza = enlisted.
sien = temple, head.
seis = six.
semana = week.
serbiente = servant. Frequently also applied to artisan
employees.
siete = seven.
síndico = town attorney concerned with pueblo
ordinances, permits for dances, fairs, etc. However, it
has a broader meaning of trustee, receiver,
overseeing officials of some sort or another.
sirviente (sirvte.) = servant, employee.
sitio = small farm.
sobre = about.
sobrino/a = niece/nephew.
soldado (s.) = soldier.
soldado de cuera (s.c.) = leather jacket soldier. The
common soldier of the Southwest, usually mounted.
The jacket was a knee length coat of seven layers of
deer hide, effective against arrows, but not bullets.
soldado distinguido = soldier given extra privileges,
usually due to belonging to a ranking family, i.e. he
did not perform K.P. or latrine duty.
soldado voluntero (s.v.) = volunteer soldier, Catalonian volunteer.
soltero/a = single person, never married.
sordo = deaf.
sor (sur) = south.
supercargo = (an English word) a ship's officer in
charge of cargo. Usually responsible for sales and
purchase of hides and tallow.
T
t. (téstigo) = witness.
tene. (teniente) = lieutenant (military).
thene. (teniente) = lieutenant (military).
tt. (téstigos) = witnesses.
-------------------------------
también = also.
teja = roof tile.
teniente (tene., thene.) = lieutenant (military).
téstigo (t.) = witness.
téstigos (tt.) = witnesses.
téstigos de asista = witnesses to marriage ceremony.
téstigos prior = those who testified to the
marriageability of the couple.
tiempo = time.
tonelero = cooper.
trajo (traxo) = brought.
trece = thirteen.
tres = three.
tule = tule, reed, rush.
tutor = teacher, guardian of a minor.
U
uno = one.
V
v. (voluntario) = volunteer (military), usually used for
the Catalonian volunteers.
vol. (voluntario) = volunteer (military), usually used for
the Catalonian volunteers.
-------------------------------
vara = measure of length about a yard.
voluntario (v., vol.) = volunteer (military), usually used
for the Catalonian volunteers
valle = valley.
vecindad = vicinity, inhabitants of a place.
vecino (s) = resident (s), neighbor (s).
velación = literally, the blessing of a marriage. Although
couples could be married at any time, the velación
could not be performed during certain periods such
as Lent and Advent, so that this final sacrament of
marriage could occur considerably after the marriage.
Normally both ceremonies were performed together.
víbora = rattlesnake.
viejo/a = old person.
vigilante = member of a vigilance committee, an
unauthorized committee organized for the
maintenance of order and summary punishment of
crime in the absence of regular or efficient courts.
visitador general = ecclesiastical inspector of missions
and parishes.
vino = came.
viruelas = smallpox.
viudo/a = widow/widower.
vocal = member of a committee or governing body.
voluntario (v., vol.) = volunteer (military), usually used
for the Catalonian volunteers.
Voluntarios de Cataluña = Catalonian Volunteers, a
group of about 100 soldiers recruited in Catalonia
Spain in the late 1700s for service on the frontier of
New Spain. As time passed, recruits came from
Mexico, but their ancestry was supposed to be from
Catalonia.
W
X
Y
ygla. (yglesia) = church.
-------------------------------
yglesia (ygla.) = church.
Z
zemo. (zementerio) = cemetery.
-------------------------------
zaguán = entrance.
zanja = ditch.
Zanja Santiago! - see sanja.
zementerio (zemo.) = cemetery.
zepo (cepo) = stocks.
