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baronet - 3 dictionary results

bar⋅on⋅et

[bar-uh-nit, bar-uh-net]
–noun
a member of a British hereditary order of honor, ranking below the barons and made up of commoners, designated by Sir before the name and Baronet, usually abbreviated Bart., after: Sir John Smith, Bart.

Origin:
1350–1400; ME; see baron, -et


bar⋅o⋅net⋅i⋅cal, adjective
bar·on·et   (bār'ə-nĭt, bār'ə-nět')   
n.  
  1. A man holding a British hereditary title of honor reserved for commoners, ranking immediately below the barons and above all orders of knighthood except the Garter.
  2. Abbr. Bart. or Bt. Used as the title for such a man.

[Middle English, diminutive of baron, baron; see baron.]

Baronet

Bar"on*et\, n. [Baron + -et.] A dignity or degree of honor next below a baron and above a knight, having precedency of all orders of knights except those of the Garter. It is the lowest degree of honor that is hereditary. The baronets are commoners.

Note: The order was founded by James I. in 1611, and is given by patent. The word, however, in the sense of a lesser baron, was in use long before. "Baronets have the title of 'Sir' prefixed to their Christian names; their surnames being followed by their dignity, usually abbreviated Bart. Their wives are addressed as 'Lady' or 'Madam'. Their sons are possessed of no title beyond 'Esquire."' --Cussans.
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