Peerage: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ‘‘
Add to dictionary

peerage

 

[ หˆpษชษ™rษชdส’ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

title

The system of titles and ranks of nobility in some countries, especially in the United Kingdom.

Synonyms

aristocracy, nobility, upper class.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
peerage

Use this term when referring specifically to the system or group of titled aristocracy in the United Kingdom. It denotes the ranks within the hereditary nobility.

  • She was granted a peerage by the Queen
  • The laws governing the peerage can be quite complex
nobility

Use this term when referring to people belonging to the high social class with hereditary or honorary titles. It is a more general term compared to 'peerage' and is used in various contexts, not only British.

  • The nobility played a significant role in medieval politics
  • He traced his lineage back to the French nobility
aristocracy

Use this word when talking about the highest class in certain societies, typically those holding hereditary titles or offices. It can be broader and applied to other countries and contexts beyond the UK.

  • The family's wealth and status placed them firmly in the aristocracy
  • Many members of the aristocracy enjoyed privileged lifestyles
upper class

Use this term when referring broadly to the group of people who have the highest social status, wealth, and influence, regardless of having hereditary titles. It is less formal and can be used in contemporary contexts.

  • The upper class often has access to elite education
  • She was born into an upper-class family and enjoyed many privileges

Examples of usage

  • The peerage in the United Kingdom includes titles such as duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron.
  • Members of the peerage are often addressed with their titles, such as Lord or Lady.
  • In the peerage system, individuals can inherit their titles or be granted them by the monarch.
  • The peerage plays a significant role in the social hierarchy of the United Kingdom.
  • Titles within the peerage can be passed down through generations.

Translations

Translations of the word "peerage" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น nobreza

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคšเฅเคš เคตเคฐเฅเค—

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Adel

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ bangsawan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ัˆะปัั…ั‚ะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ szlachta

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่ฒดๆ—

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท noblesse

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ nobleza

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท asalet

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ท€์กฑ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู„ู†ุจู„ุงุก

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ลกlechta

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ ลกฤพachta

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ดตๆ—

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ plemstvo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ aรฐalsfรณlk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐา›ัาฏะนะตะบั‚ะตั€

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒ แƒ˜แƒกแƒขแƒแƒ™แƒ แƒแƒขแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ zadษ™ganlฤฑq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ nobleza

Etymology

The term 'peerage' originated from the Old French word 'perage', which referred to the rank or status of a peer. The concept of peerage dates back to medieval times when kings and queens granted titles and ranks to individuals as a form of recognition or reward for their loyalty and service. Over the centuries, the peerage system evolved into a complex hierarchy of noble titles and ranks, with each title carrying its own privileges and responsibilities. Today, the peerage remains an integral part of the British social structure, symbolizing tradition, heritage, and prestige.

See also: peer, peeress, peerless, peers.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,895, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.