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Chiefly in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking contexts: an ensign, a standard-bearer; a second lieutenant.
Late 16th century; earliest use found in Thomas Nicholas (1532–1601), shipowner and translator. Partly (originally) from Spanish alférez ensign, standard-bearer, second lieutenant, and partly from Portuguese alféres ensign, standard-bearer, both from Arabic al-fāris from al the + fāris horseman, mounted warrior from faras horse.