rhizoverbBeta
DictionarybaronetHereditary British rank
noun

baronet

BAIR-uh-nuht/ˈbærənət/

A holder of a hereditary British title ranking below a baron and above a knight.

The baronet holds a family document bearing his title, Sir.

A British baronet in formal early modern dress holds a family document with the essential short title Sir; hereditary family portrait behind, no royal crown.
Etymology
baronOld Frenchnobleman, lord
+etOld Frenchlittle, lesser

The diminutive makes baronet a 'lesser baron,' originally a younger or lesser holder of that rank. It became a distinct hereditary title below baron and above knight.

In context

The Generalist Papers6:06
a baronet is like a hereditary knighthood sort of it's in the british system but it's not considered noble
Ranks of Nobility, Explained

More examples

  • A baronet was addressed as Sir.
  • The portrait showed the baronet beside his family arms.
  • The estate had belonged to a baronet.

Forms

baronet · baronets

baronetcy noun — the rank or title of a baronet

Similar words

baron
A baron holds a higher peerage title; a baronet is not a peer by virtue of that title alone.
knight
A knighthood is generally personal; a baronetcy is hereditary.