A Spanish or Portuguese military officer ranking below a lieutenant, typically responsible for carrying the regimental flag or standard; an ensign.
From Arabic 'al-farīs' (the knight, the rider), the same root as 'alferes.' The spelling 'alferez' represents the Castilian variant, particularly used in Portugal and colonial Spanish territories, while 'alferes' was more common in other regions.
Every Spanish regiment had an 'alferez' carrying the flag into battle, which made it an incredibly dangerous job—but it was also hugely honored, because losing the flag meant losing your unit's identity and honor! The word carries that weight of military tradition and sacrifice.
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