Nobility
Black's Law Dictionary · Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
Black's Law Dictionary
In English law
A division of the people, comprehending dukes, marquises, earls, viscounts, and barons. These had anciently duties annexed to their respective honors. They are created either by writ, i. e., by royal summons to attend the house of peers, or by letters patent, i. e., by royal grant of any dignity and degree of peerage; and they enjoy many privileges, exclusive of their senatorial capacity.
1 BL Comm. 396.