CORTES of Spain, a term purely Spanish, signifying the courts, i.e. the states or assembly of the states, at Madrid.

Cortez, or Cortez, Ferdinand, a Spanish general, famous for the conquest of Mexico, and other victories over the natives of South America; but infamous for the cruelties he committed upon the vanquished, without regard to rank, age, or sex. It probably was on this account he was but coolly received on his return to Europe by his royal master Charles V.: It is even asserted that the emperor asked him who he was? to which Cortez replied: "I am the man who gave you more provinces than your ancestors have left you towns." Died in 1544, aged 63. See Mexico.