Legal Definitions - marquis

A marquis (also spelled marquess) is a specific rank within the British peerage, which is the system of hereditary titles in the United Kingdom. This title places the holder directly below a duke but above an earl, viscount, and baron. It signifies a high level of nobility, often associated with significant historical lineage and landholdings.

• Imagine a historical account detailing the hierarchy of a royal court during a specific era. The document might describe how the Marquis of Winchester was a key advisor to the King, holding considerable influence and prestige. However, it would also note that the Duke of Norfolk, as the premier duke, held an even higher position in terms of ceremonial precedence and overall rank. This illustrates the marquis's esteemed but secondary position within the noble hierarchy, directly below a duke.

• Consider a formal state occasion, such as a royal wedding or coronation, where guests are seated according to their noble rank. The Marquess of Cholmondeley would be given a place of great honor, reflecting his ancient title and significant standing. Yet, any attending dukes, such as the Duke of Westminster, would be seated in an even more prominent position, demonstrating that the marquis's rank, while very high, is precisely one step below that of a duke in official protocol.

• In a discussion about the management of large ancestral estates in the UK, a journalist might refer to the Marquis of Bute as a prominent landowner responsible for vast tracts of land and historic properties. While acknowledging the marquis's significant role and heritage, the context implicitly recognizes that a duke, if mentioned, would represent the highest non-royal rank in the peerage, reinforcing the marquis's position as a senior nobleman just beneath that ultimate level.