The "Mekwanint" were officials who had been granted specific offices in the Abyssinian government or court. Higher ranks from the title of "Ras" through to "Balambaras" were also bestowed upon members of the "Mekwanint". A member of the "Mesafint", however, would traditionally be given precedence over a member of the "Mekwanint" of the same rank. For example, "Ras" Mengesha Yohannes, son of Emperor Yohannes IV and thus a member of the "Mesafint", would have outranked "Ras" Alula Engida, who was of humble birth and therefore a member of the "Mekwanint", even though their ranks were equal.