Riches \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.

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)