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

"I don't think we should be using the hereditary privilege we have in the Lords to haggle or negotiate for life peerages," the earl said.

From BBC

Baroness Smith confirmed the government would offer life peerages to some of the Conservatives and crossbenchers who would otherwise lose their seats.

From BBC

Lords sources said talks had been held, with one suggesting the number of life peerages offered would depend on how many Tory members of the upper house agree to retire.

From BBC

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

Related Words

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