c.1300, title of nobility, from O.Fr.
marchis, lit. "ruler of a border area," from O.Fr.
marche "frontier," from M.L.
marca "frontier, frontier territory" (see
march (n.)). Originally the ruler of border territories in various European nations (e.g. It.
marchese, Sp.
marqués); later a mere title of rank, below
duke and above
count.
[mahr-kwis] 
kwɪs