WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Rich"es
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [OE. richesse, F. richesse, from riche rich, of German origin. See Rich,a.]
Definition : 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.

Note: 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.

pl.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913