kabesa
kabesá with stress marks
village chief (Spanish period)
Usage Note
Kabesa is borrowed from Spanish cabeza (head) and refers to the village headman of the Spanish colonial period, responsible for tax collection and labor conscription. The term is now primarily used in historical and literary contexts, reflecting the lasting imprint of Spanish colonial administration on Philippine social vocabulary.
Examples
" Ang kabesa ang naniningil ng buwis. "
Natural Translation
The village chief collects the taxes.
Literal Translation
The village-chief the collecting of tax.
" Ang kabesa ang responsable sa pagkolekta ng buwis noong panahon ng Kastila. "
Natural Translation
The village chief was responsible for tax collection during the Spanish era.
Literal Translation
The village-chief the responsible in-the collecting of-the tax during time of-the Spanish.
" Noong panahon ng Kastila, kinatatakutan ng mga magsasaka ang kabesa dahil siya ang nag-aatas ng buwis at sapilitang paggawa. "
Natural Translation
During the Spanish era, the farmers feared the village chief because he was the one who imposed taxes and forced labor.
Literal Translation
During time of-the Spanish, was-feared of-the farmers the village-chief because he the imposing of tax and forced labor.
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