BARONESS
Bar"on*ess, n.
Defn: A baron's wife; also, a lady who holds the baronial title in her own right; as, the Baroness Burdett-Coutts.
BARONET
Bar"on*et, n. Etym: [Baron + -et.]
Defn: A dignity or degree of honor next below a baron and above a knight, having precedency of all orders of knights except those of the Garter. It is the lowest degree of honor that is hereditary. The baronets are commoners.
Note: The order was founded by James I. in 1611, and is given by patent. The word, however, in the sense of a lesser baron, was in use long before. "Baronets have the title of 'Sir' prefixed to their Christian names; their surnames being followed by their dignity, usually abbreviated Bart. Their wives are addressed as 'Lady' or 'Madam'. Their sons are possessed of no title beyond 'Esquire.'" Cussans.
BARONETAGE
Bar"on*et*age, n.
1. State or rank of a baronet.
2. The collective body of baronets.
BARONETCY
Bar"on*et*cy, n.
Defn: The rank or patent of a baronet.