baroness

[bar-uh-nis]

noun

1. the wife of a baron.

2. a woman holding a baronial title in her own right.

baroness

/ ˈbærənɪs /

noun

1. the wife or widow of a baron

2. a woman holding the rank of baron in her own right

Gender Note

What's the difference between baroness and baron? See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of baroness¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English baronnesse from Anglo-French, Middle French ( baron, -ess ); replacing Middle English barnesse, from Anglo-French, Old French