The Definition or Description of a Baron.
IT is a certain Rule in Law, Definitiones in jure sunt periculosissimae; earum est enim 〈◊〉〈◊〉 non subverti possunt; and therefore I do not often find any Definition or Description of a Baron delivered by Writers: nevertheless in this our Kingdom, it is my Opinion, that a Baron may be described in a generality, an∣swerable unto every special kind thereof in this manner.
A Baron is a Dignity of Nobility and Ho∣nour next unto the Viscount: And the Books of Law do make a difference between Dukes, Marquisses, Earls, and Viscounts, which are allowed Names of Dignity, and the Baron; for they affirm, That such a Baron need not to be named Lord or Baron by his Writ; but the Duke, Marquiss, Earl, or Viscount, ought to be named by their Names of Digni∣ty.
Cambden, fol. 1692. saith, That our Com∣mon Laws do not allow a Baron one of the Degrees of Nobility: But I take it to be understood of Barons by Tenure, or Barons by Writ only: For the Title of a Baron by Patent is in his Letters Patents under the Great Seal of England adorned by the name of Status, Gradus, Dignitas; and therefore is requisite to be named: And such Dignities are a parcel of the Name of the Pohenor, as well as the Title and Style of a Duke, Marquiss, Earl, or Viscount. And although there may be conceived this Difference last mentioned between the Baron by Tenure or Writ, and the Baron by Patent; yet they being all Members of the higher House of Parliament, they are thereby equally made Noble, Honourable, and Peers of the Realm, as they are Barons, without any other distinction.