E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Hidal’go.
The title in Spain of the lower nobility. (According to Bishop St. Vincent, the word is compounded of hijo del Goto, son of a Goth; but more probably it is hijo and dalgo. Hija = child or son, and dalgo = respect, as in the phrase, “Facer mucho dalgo,” to receive with great respect. In Portuguese it is Fidalgo.
