Rich"es (?), n. pl. [OE.
richesse, F. richesse, from
riche rich, of German origin. See Rich,a.]
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, or the like.
The
riche of heaven's pavement, trodden gold.
Milton. &fist; Richesse, the older form of this
word, was in
the singular number. The form riches, however, is plural in appearance, and has now come
to be used as
a plural.
Against the richesses of this world
shall they have misease of poverty.
Chaucer. In one hour so great riches is come to nought.
Rev. xviii. 17.
And for that riches where is my deserving?
Shak. Syn. -- Wealth; opulence; affluence; wealthiness; richness;
plenty; abundance.
Hear it pronounced