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baronage

American  
[bar-uh-nij] / ˈbær ə nɪdʒ /

noun

  1. the entire British peerage, including all dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, and barons.

  2. Also the dignity or rank of a baron.


baronage British  
/ ˈbærənɪdʒ /

noun

  1. barons collectively

  2. the rank or dignity of a baron

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of baronage

1250–1300; Middle English barunage < Anglo-French ( see baron, -age); replacing Middle English barnage < Old French

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.

Elevated to the baronage, Field Marshal Sir John Harding, former governor of strife-torn Cyprus.

From Time Magazine Archive

Now the big city machines are shot: Chicago's Jack Arvey could not even carry Cook County; the Tammany Tiger is a sick old alley cat; Boss Hague's Jersey City baronage is gone.

From Time Magazine Archive

Postmaster General Major George Clement Tryon was made Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster with the additional sop of a baronage.

From Time Magazine Archive

A busy and effective behind-the-scenes operator in the political arena, he helped form the wartime government of Lloyd George, was awarded a baronage.

From Time Magazine Archive

But he was too closely connected with the baronage to be altogether trusted by the king.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 4 "Finland" to "Fleury, Andre" by Various