peeress
/'piəris/
Definition
Noun: 1. A woman who holds a peerage; a female member of the nobility in Britain: A peeress is a woman who has a noble rank, such as duchess, marchioness, countess, viscountess, or baroness, either in her own right or by marriage. 2. The wife or widow of a peer: Historically and commonly, the term also refers to a woman who holds her title because she is married to a peer.
Usage
The word "peeress" is used to specifically identify a woman belonging to the British peerage. It is a formal and precise term. * It can be used as a title of address or reference. * It distinguishes a noblewoman from commoners and from men of the nobility (peers).
Examples
- As a titleholder in her own right:
- As the wife of a peer:
- In formal reference:
Advanced Usage
- "Peeress in her own right": This specific phrase clarifies that a woman holds a noble title by inheritance or creation, not through marriage.
- She is a peeress in her own right, having been created a baroness for her public service.
Variants and Related Words
- Peer (noun): A man who holds a peerage; a member of the nobility.
- Peerage (noun): The collective term for peers and peeresses; also the rank or title itself.
- Noblewoman (noun): A more general term for a woman of noble birth or rank, not specific to the British system.
Synonyms
- Noblewoman
- Aristocrat (a broader term for a member of the aristocracy)
Antonyms
- Commoner
Noun
-
a woman of the peerage in Britain
