Rich'es, n. pl.

n. pl. [O. Eng. richesse, Fr. richesse, Pr., Sp., & Pg. riqueza, It. ricchezza.] 1. That which makes one rich; an abundance of land, goods, money, or other property; wealth; opulence; affluence. Riches do not consist in having more gold and silver, but in having more in proportion, than our neighbors. Locke. 2. That which appears rich, sumptuous, precious, and the like. “The riches of heaven’s pavement, trodden gold.” Milton. This word is really in the singular number, but is very rarely so used. The old English form is richesse, which is the same as the French word, and it is from this that the modern word riches received its form. The termination, being the same as that of plural words, caused it to be regarded and used as plural. “And for that riches where is my deserving?” Shak. Syn. — Wealth; opulence; affluence; wealthiness; richness; plenty; abundance.