1. Plural of cazique; indigenous chiefs or leaders in Spanish America, particularly in the Caribbean and Central/South America during the colonial period.
Usage: historical; also spelled caciques (more common modern spelling)

Examples

• The Spanish conquistadors negotiated with the local caziques to establish trade routes.
• Caziques held significant power over their communities before European colonization.
• Historical records document the names and territories of various caziques in the Caribbean islands.
• The caziques were often the first indigenous leaders to encounter European explorers.