Peer
Dictionary of Terms and Phrases Used in American or English Jurisprudence · Benjamin Vaughan Abbott · 1879
Dictionary of Terms and Phrases Used in American or English Jurisprudence
Originally, an equal; thus trial by one's peers signifies trial by those of equal condition or rank with the accused. In the feudal law, vassals of a lord who sat in his court for the trial of other vassals were called the pares, or peers, in view of all being equals in degree. In modern English law, the various members of the nobility are called peers, as a collective name. As there aje various grades of rank among them, the appropriateness of the term, etymologically, is not very apparent. Some authorities say it is because they are all equal in the privilege of sitting and ence to the great division between nobility and commonalty, the equals of the sovereign.
Peerage.
The dignity of the lords or peers of the realm; also the nobility, taken collectively.
Peeress.
A woman who has the dignity of peerage, — which may be either in her own right or by right of marriage.