Definition

The title or rank held by a baronet, which is a hereditary honor in the British nobility, ranking below a baron.

Example

He inherited the baronetcy from his father, becoming a member of the British gentry.

Conversation

Did you know that he was granted a baronetcy last year?

Really? I had no idea!

Yeah, it's quite a big deal in his family.

That sounds impressive, I wonder what it means for his status.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Baronetcy → It is formed from "baronet" (a title of honor in British nobility, derived from "baron" from Old French *baron*, meaning nobleman) and "-cy" (a suffix denoting a state or condition). The word "baronetcy" refers to the state or condition of being a baronet, a rank of nobility.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'baronet' as a nobleman and '-cy' indicating a state or condition — so baronetcy means the state of being a nobleman.

Visually Confused Words