baronetcy

American  

[bar-uh-nit-see, -net] / ˈbær ə nɪt si, -ˌnɛt /

noun

plural

baronetcies

1. the rank or dignity of a baronet.

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baronetcy British  

/ ˈbærənɪtsɪ, -ˌnɛt- /

noun

1. the rank, position, or patent of a baronet

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Etymology

Origin of baronetcy

First recorded in 1805–15; baronet + -cy

Example Sentences

Sir Percival David was born into a wealthy family in Bombay in 1892 and inherited a baronetcy from his father, as well as ownership of the family company.

From BBC • Nov. 13, 2024

It is interesting to note, however, that the scheming Penelope Clay may after all end up as the wife of Sir William Elliot, undeserving heir to Sir Walter’s baronetcy.

From The Guardian • Jul. 15, 2017

She lives with her unpleasant older sister and her father, a vain, unintelligent man, vulgarly proud of his well-preserved good looks and his baronetcy.

From Slate • Apr. 5, 2013

It was founded by one of the community’s most aristocratic families, one that still boasts a Raj-era baronetcy.

From New York Times • Mar. 23, 2012

A baronetcy has recently fallen to the lot of one who for years has followed photography as a profession, taking cartes-de-visite and other photographs in the usual business-like manner.

From The Evolution of Photography With a Chronological Record of Discoveries, Inventions, etc., Contributions to Photographic Literature, and Personal Reminescences Extending over Forty Years by Werge, John