baronet

[ bar-uh-nit, bar-uh-net ]
/ ˈbær ə nɪt, ˌbær əˈnɛt /

noun

a member of a British hereditary order of honor, ranking below the barons and made up of commoners, designated by Sir before the name and Baronet, usually abbreviated Bart., after: Sir John Smith, Bart.

Origin of baronet

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at baron, -et

OTHER WORDS FROM baronet

bar·o·net·i·cal, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH baronet

barren baron baronet

Example sentences from the Web for baronet

British Dictionary definitions for baronet

baronet
/ (ˈbærənɪt, -ˌnɛt) /

noun

(in Britain) a commoner who holds the lowest hereditary title of honour, ranking below a baron Abbreviation: Bart., Bt

Word Origin for baronet

C15: order instituted 1611, from baron + -et