capo

¹

[key-poh]

noun

plural

capos 

1. any of various devices for a guitar, lute, banjo, etc., that when clamped or screwed down across the strings at a given fret will raise each string a corresponding number of half tones.

2. the nut of a guitar, lute, banjo, etc.

capo

²

[kah-poh, kap-oh]

noun

plural

capos 

1. the chief of a branch of the Mafia.

capo

¹

/ ˈkeɪpəʊ, ˈkæpəʊ /

noun

1. Also called: capo tasto. a device fitted across all the strings of a guitar, banjo, etc, so as to raise the pitch of each string simultaneously Compare barré

capo

²

/ ˈkapo, ˈkæpəʊ /

noun

1. the presumed title of a Mafia leader

Word History and Origins

Origin of capo¹

1875–80; < Italian, shortening of capotasto capotasto

Origin of capo²

1960–65; < Italian: head, leader < Vulgar Latin *capum for Latin caput; chief

Word History and Origins

Origin of capo¹

from Italian capo tasto head stop

Origin of capo²

Italian: head

Example Sentences

Now, three top accused Sinaloa cartel capos sit in U.S. custody, and at least one, Guzmán López, appears keen to make a deal that could expose a web of official corruption, roiling Mexican politics.

From Los Angeles Times

That so many corrupt functionaries and cartel capos ultimately face responsibility in the United States — and not in Mexico — underscores a fundamental weakness of the Mexican justice system, observers say.

From Los Angeles Times

Rather than a President and Vice President, Trump and Vance more closely resembled a cheap mob boss and a low-browed capo.

From Salon

He was sanctioned 10 times for violating the order in his current case until he came up with the novel tactic of having his red-tied capos do the threatening for him.

From Salon

In his book, Mamet describes the leaders of these diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives as “diversity capos and “diversity commissars.”

From Los Angeles Times