peerage

[ peer-ij ]

noun

1. the body of peers of a country or state.
2. the rank or dignity of a peer.
3. a book listing the peers and giving their genealogies.

peerage

/ ˈpɪərɪdʒ /

noun

1. the whole body of peers; aristocracy
2. the position, rank, or title of a peer
3. (esp in the British Isles) a book listing the peers and giving genealogical and other information about them

Word History and Origins

Origin of peerage¹

First recorded in 1425–75, peerage is from the late Middle English word perage. See peer ², -age

Example Sentences

It was intended, instead, to be based on “peerage,” where all players are equal.

From The Daily Beast

Think aesthetics as politics, and academic credentials as peerage.

From The Daily Beast

Duchess is the highest rank in the English peerage (in descending order the ranks go duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron).

From The Daily Beast

But Blair has said publicly that he does not want a peerage.

From The Daily Beast

Estates sufficient to support the highest rank in the peerage were distributed among his illegitimate children.

From Project Gutenberg

The meanest hind was ennobled by the accolade of martyrdom to the loftiest peerage of the skies.

From Project Gutenberg

The other notice which Sir William had given for a committee on peerage reform was not followed up.

From Project Gutenberg

The satisfaction consequent on Pitt's accession to power faded at the news that he had accepted a peerage as Earl of Chatham.

From Project Gutenberg

George, who did not approve of a large increase in the peerage, was forced to yield to his minister's exigencies.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• dignity
• generosity
• grandeur
• greatness
• integrity
• superiority
• upper class
• virtue