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10th cent. From Vulgar Latin *capitia 'id.,' from caput "head" (see cabo) and -itia, an abstract noun-forming suffix (see -eza).
Also the origin of the surname Cabezas, first applied as a nickname to local leaders known for their intelligence.
Romance
Asturian cabeza, Portuguese cabeça, Galician cabeza, Catalan cabeç, French chevet, Italian cavezza
Western Vulgar Latin reanalyzed the neuter plural as a feminine singular noun (see arma and hoja). |