I. krüˈzä(ˌ)dō, -)thü, -ˈsä(ˌ)dō, -ˈsā(ˌ)dō noun
also cru·za·do -ˈzä(ˌ)dō, -)thü
( plural crusadoes or crusados )
Etymology: Portuguese cruzado, literally, marked with a cross, from past participle of cruzar to mark with a cross, from cruz cross, from Latin cruc-, crux — more at ridge
: an old gold coin of Portugal originally issued by Alfonso V (1438-81) having a cross on the reverse in commemoration of the king's crusading struggle against the Muslims of No. Africa ; also : a similar Portuguese coin in silver first issued by John IV (1640-56)
II. -ˈsā(ˌ)dō noun
( plural crusados or crusadoes )
Etymology: modification of Spanish cruzada — more at crusade
archaic : crusade