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Definition of marquess

marquess

/ˈmɑːr.kwɪs/
mar · quess
Plural:marquesses
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marquess Lexical Profile

marquess Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

British A nobleman of hereditary rank in the British peerage, ranking immediately below a duke and above an earl.

Example

"The historic country estate had been passed down through generations of the family of the Marquess of Bath."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

In British peerage, 'marquess' is the standard spelling for the title, whereas 'marquis' is typically used for foreign noblemen of equivalent rank (such as in France) and in some Scottish titles.

• Nearby Words

maroon
marque
marquee
marquess
marquis
marquise
marrakech

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'marchis', meaning a ruler of a border area or march, ultimately derived from Proto-Germanic '*markō' (boundary or border).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Marquess. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/marquess
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