Baronet

[L. Lat. baronettus, q. v.] An English name of dignity, which in its etymology imports a little baron. It is an hereditary dignity created by letters patent, and usually descendible to the issue male, but is not a title of nobility.

1 Bl. Com. 403.

It was instituted by King James I., A. D. 1 6 11, in order to raise a competent sum for the reduction of the province of Ulster in Ireland. Id. ibid. The title however occurs in records and statutes at a much earlier period. Spelman, voc.

Baronettus,