baronet

American  

[bar-uh-nit, bar-uh-net] / ˈbær ə nɪt, ˌbær əˈnɛt /

noun

1. a member of a British hereditary order of honor, ranking below the barons and made up of commoners, designated by Sir before the name and Baronet, usually abbreviated Bart., after.

   Sir John Smith, Bart.

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baronet British  

/ -ˌnɛt, ˈbærənɪt /

noun

1. Abbreviation: Bart..   Bt.  (in Britain) a commoner who holds the lowest hereditary title of honour, ranking below a baron

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Other Word Forms

• baronetical
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of baronet

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at baron, -et

Explanation

A baronet is a fancy title in British nobility, ranking below a baron but above most knights. Unlike knighthood, the title of baronet is hereditary, meaning it is passed down to the descendants of the person who originally held it. The baronet title was created in the early 17th century by King James I in order to raise funds for the British crown. Originally, those who wanted the title had to pay a sum of money to the king. The title comes with a coat of arms, as well as other privileges and recognition. Like knights, a male baronet uses the prefix Sir before his name. Women and girls who carry the baronet title are referred to as baronetess and use the prefix Dame before their names.

Related Words

• aristocrat
• blue blood
• emperor
• patrician