The Templar's Penance

Glossary

Claveiro

Key-holder or castellan of a castle (in Portugal).

Espada

The symbol of the Knights of Santiago. The upper part was a cross, but the lower part was shaped like a sword’s blade.

Frey, Freiles

‘Brother’, ‘Brothers’: the term given to knight warriors.

Furtum sacrum

The theft of a set of relics by a rival church was a recognised crime, but it was condoned as being a pious act. Our forefathers took the view that if the Saint in question objected, he or she had it in their power to prevent it.

Hidalgo

A low class of noble, a hidalgo was on a par with a reeve, probably, but was born to his position rather than elected. Hidalgos would often work in the fields with other townsfolk, which meant that they were looked down upon by other, higher nobles.

Malfechor

During the troubled early years of the 1300s, a raider or thief who preyed on travellers, villagers and anyone else they could rob or kill.

Maestre

Master – in Castile.

Mestre

Master – in Portugal.

Mudéjar

A Moslem living under Christian rule after the reconquest.

Pesquisidores

The title given to certain ‘enquirers’ in Castile from the early thirteenth century. Its literal meaning is: well-informed men who fear God.