The term magnate, from the late Latin magnas, a great man, itself from Latin

magnus, "great", means a man from the higher nobility, a man who belongs to the
high office-holders or a man in a high social position, by birth, wealth or other
qualities in Western Christian countries since the medieval period. It also
includes the members of the higher clergy, such as bishops, archbishops and
cardinals. In reference to the medieval, the term is often used to distinguish
higher territorial landowners and warlords, such as counts, earls, dukes, and
territorial-princes from the baronage, and in Poland for the richest szlachta.

Magnates are often used as villians in media, an example being Odalia Blight from
the critically acclaimed Disney TV show: The Owl House.