peeress

[ peer-is ]

noun

1. the wife or widow of a peer.
2. a woman having in her own right the rank of a peer.

peeress

/ ˈpɪərɪs /

noun

1. the wife or widow of a peer
2. a woman holding the rank of a peer in her own right

Gender Note

See -ess.

Word History and Origins

Origin of peeress¹

First recorded in 1680–90; peer ² + -ess

Example Sentences

Nevertheless she triumphed; he had made her a peeress, and she did care for that; she cared also for the broad lands of Hartledon.

From Project Gutenberg

Why should not a peeress feel herself as properly placed among her peers as the Queen seated at her Council?

From Project Gutenberg

He afterwards was made secretary of state, married a peeress, and spent his last days at Holland House.

From Project Gutenberg

But Lady Shrewsbury was a peeress and the widow of a Talbot, and criminal rank in those days was banished not executed.

From Project Gutenberg

My father set my sister up in business as a British peeress and bought her her husband and settled a whacking dower on her.

From Project Gutenberg