Pronunciation: [kɹuːsˈe͡ɪdə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The word "Crusado" is spelled with a "c" and a "s" because it comes from the Portuguese word "cruzado." The IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet) transcription for "Crusado" is /kruˈzadəʊ/. The "c" is pronounced as a "k" sound, while the "s" is pronounced as a "z" sound. The "-ado" ending is pronounced as "uh-doh." Crusado was a Portuguese gold coin used in the 16th and 17th centuries during the reign of King João III.
A crusado is a historical coin that was commonly used in Portugal and Brazil during the 17th and 18th centuries. The name "crusado" comes from the Portuguese word "crusade," as these coins were initially minted to commemorate the Christian wars in the Holy Land.
The crusado typically had a silver composition, although later issues were made of copper or billon (an alloy of silver and copper). These coins featured a cross on one side, which symbolized the crusades, and various regal motifs on the reverse side. The design and imagery of the crusado varied throughout its existence, reflecting the different reigns and historical periods.
The value of a crusado was determined by its weight, purity, and the political stability of the issuing authority. Due to the inconsistent nature of coinage during that time, the value of the crusado could fluctuate significantly. In addition to its use in local commerce, the crusado was often employed for international trade and became an important currency in the Portuguese Empire.
Today, the crusado serves as an intriguing historical artifact, shedding light on the economic and cultural exchanges of its time. It represents a tangible link to the Portuguese colonial and imperial past, providing valuable insights into the political, social, and economic dynamics of the era.
A Portuguese coin, so called from the figure of the cross stamped upon it.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "Crusado" has its roots in the Latin term "crusatus", which means "marked with a cross". The Latin word "crus" refers to "cross" and is linked to the Greek word "stauros" with the same meaning. During the Middle Ages, European warriors participating in the Crusades, a series of religious wars, wore a cross symbol on their garments as a token of their commitment to the cause. Over time, the term "crusado" emerged to describe a coin minted by the Portuguese kingdom during the 15th and 16th centuries, featuring a depiction of a cross on one side.
