peerage
peerage Lexical Profile
peerage Game Scores & Validity
• noun
British The rank, title, or legal status of a peer of the realm.
"The retired diplomat was granted a life peerage in recognition of decades of public service."
British The collective body of peers or titled nobility in the United Kingdom (comprising dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, and barons).
"Members of the hereditary peerage once held an automatic right to sit in the House of Lords."
A reference book containing a genealogical list and history of the nobility.
"The historian consulted a nineteenth-century peerage to verify the succession of the earldom."
• Rhymes for peerage
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the 15th century from Old French parage ('rank, noble birth, body of peers'), derived from Latin par ('equal'), referring originally to vassals of equal standing under a feudal lord.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.