peerage
Americannoun
-
the body of peers of a country or state.
-
the rank or dignity of a peer.
-
a book listing the peers and giving their genealogies.
noun
-
the whole body of peers; aristocracy
-
the position, rank, or title of a peer
-
(esp in the British Isles) a book listing the peers and giving genealogical and other information about them
Etymology
Origin of peerage
First recorded in 1425–75, peerage is from the late Middle English word perage. See peer 2, -age
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He refused a peerage four times from prime ministers Disraeli and Gladstone.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 20, 2026
Opposition MPs rounded on the prime minister, calling for him to strip Doyle of his peerage.
From BBC • Feb. 11, 2026
Sir Keir faced questions about Lord Doyle's peerage on Monday during a meeting of the Parliamentary Labour Party, when the prime minister rallied MPs behind his leadership.
From BBC • Feb. 10, 2026
As a life peer, Lord Offord's peerage cannot be relinquished.
From BBC • Jan. 15, 2026
I knew a little from our infrequent stays with Baron Greyfallow, and thought I was quite genteel enough without having to memorize forms of address, table manners, and the elaborate snarled rankings of the peerage.
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
