peerage

American  

[peer-ij] / ˈpɪər ɪdʒ /

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.

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peerage British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of peerage

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

Example Sentences

He refused a peerage four times from prime ministers Disraeli and Gladstone.

From The Wall Street Journal

Challenged on the peerage at Prime Minister's Questions, Sir Keir said Lord Doyle had not given "a full account of his actions".

From BBC

Starmer told MPs his former director of communications had not given a "full account" of his actions when he was being vetted for the peerage.

From BBC

It was announced on 10 December last year that Sir Keir's former director of communications would be awarded a peerage.

From BBC

Armstrong has been an assembly member since September 2024, when she was co-opted to replace Tom Elliott after he was given a life peerage.

From BBC

Related Words

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