Peerage
/ˈpɪə.ɹɪdʒ/noun
A system of nobility or titled class in Britain.
Did you know?The term 'peerage' originates from the Latin 'par,' meaning 'equal,' revealing a deep historical tie to social hierarchies and the magical idea of 'the chosen few.'
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
par
“equal, mate, or companion.”
Old French
Old French
perage
“nobility or rank.”
Middle English
Middle English
peerage
“the condition or rank of a peer.”
Modern English
English
peerage
“the collective body of peers or nobles.”
Explore more surprising origins