noun
marchioness
mar-shuh-NES/ˌmɑːrʃəˈnes/
A noblewoman ranking below a duchess and above a countess.
The marchioness wears a noble coronet and formal gown in the château.
Etymology
The feminine form of “marquis” first denoted a marquis’s wife or widow. The underlying title recalls rulers of frontier territories, later becoming a rank below duke and above count.
In context
he became the eighth Marquess of Bath and Emma became the UK's first black marchioness.
More examples
- As a marchioness, she ranks above a countess.
- The two marchionesses attend the royal ceremony.
- She becomes a marchioness when she marries the marquess.
Forms
marchioness · marchionesses
marquess noun — A nobleman ranking below a duke.
Similar words
- noblewoman
- Broader term for a woman of any noble rank.
- peeress
- A woman holding a peerage rank, not specifically a marchioness.