Bar"on*et (&?;), n.
[Baron + - et.]
A dignity or degree of
honor next below a baron
and above a
knight, having precedency
of all orders of knights except those of the
Garter. It is the lowest degree of honor that is
hereditary. The baronets
are commoners.
&fist; The order was founded by James I. in
1611, and is given by patent. The word, however, in the sense
of a lesser baron, was in use long before. "Baronets have the title of 'Sir'
prefixed to their Christian names; their
surnames being followed by their dignity, usually abbreviated Bart. Their wives are addressed as 'Lady' or 'Madam'. Their sons are possessed of no title beyond 'Esquire.'"
Cussans.
Hear it pronounced