(Cabral, Pedro Alvares) (c.1460-c.1526) Portuguese navigator, discoverer of Brazil. In 1500 he was given command of a fleet about to sail for India, with the commission to establish commercial relations and introduce Christianity. They landed on the coast of Brazil which Cabral called Vera Cruz (true or real cross). He continued his course to India, and after an adventurous voyage returned to Lisbon in 1501.