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

Removing someone’s peerages completely and ousting them from the line of succession requires legislation.

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The SNP lodged a similar motion in September, aimed at removing the peerage of Lord Mandelson, who was sacked as ambassador to the USA when the extent of his friendship with Jeffrey Epstein was revealed.

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Badenoch was among several politicians, including Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who called for Mone to relinquish her peerage after the High Court judgment.

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However, peerages can only be removed by an act of Parliament.

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However, she said it was beyond her power to strip Mone of her peerage.

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Related Words

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