Marquesa is a Spanish word that means "marquise" in English. It is a title of nobility that ranks below a duke and above a count or countess. The term is not frequently used in modern Spanish, except when referring to historical or aristocratic contexts. It is more commonly found in written texts, especially historical novels or documents.
Example Sentences
La marquesa vivía en un palacio imponente. (The marquise lived in an impressive palace.)
La marquesa de Montemayor era muy apreciada por su generosidad. (The Lady of Montemayor was greatly appreciated for her generosity.)
Idiomatic Expressions
Estar en su morisquetas como una marquesa: To be overly pampered or spoiled.
A esa niña le encanta que le den todo hecho, está en sus morisquetas como una marquesa. (That girl loves to have everything done for her, she's spoiled like a marquise.)
Ir de marquesa: To walk with elegance and grace.
Cuando salió del coche, iba de marquesa con ese vestido largo. (When she got out of the car, she was walking with elegance in that long dress.)
Ser marquesa de camorra: To be the leader (usually a woman) in an illegal enterprise.
La marquesa de camorra manejaba todo desde las sombras. (The marquise of the underworld controlled everything from the shadows.)
Etymology
The term marquesa comes from the Latin "marchio," which means "ruler of a border territory." Over time, the term evolved to designate a noble title in various European countries, including Spain.