Alférez is a junior officer rank in the militaries of Spain, Argentina, Chile and Uruguay. The Spanish word was derived from the Arabic الفارس (al-fāris), meaning "horseman" or "cavalier". The variant alferes is used in Portugal and was formerly also used in Brazil. A naval variant, frigate alférez, is used in Spain, Dominican Republic and Peru. Alférez is often translated as ensign. Alférez was the Spanish officer rank associated with the carrying of a unit flag. Alférez is also sometimes translated as sub-lieutenant or second lieutenant. These translations are approximate. The rank of alférez was first used by Spanish armies during the reconquista in the middle ages. During that time alférez was the leader of the retinue of a king or high-ranking nobleman. The famous warrior El Cid was t