Legal Definitions - baron

Definition: A baron is a man who held land directly from the Crown in exchange for military service. They were also known as a husband in the legal term "baron et feme". In addition, a baron could be one of the judges of the former English or Scottish Courts of Exchequer, abbreviated as B. A baron is also a noble rank, specifically the lowest rank in the British peerage. Generally, a baron is a lord or nobleman.

• William the Conqueror granted land to his loyal supporters, who became known as barons.
• In the legal term "baron et feme", a baron referred to a husband who held property jointly with his wife.
• The Barons of the Exchequer were judges who presided over financial cases in England and Scotland.
• Lord Smith was recently granted the title of Baron, making him the lowest ranking member of the British peerage.
• The baron invited his fellow noblemen to a grand feast at his castle.

The examples illustrate the different meanings of the term "baron". The first example shows how a baron was originally a landowner who owed military service to the Crown. The second example demonstrates how the term was used in legal contexts to refer to a husband. The third example shows how a baron could also be a judge. The fourth example illustrates how a baron is a noble rank in the British peerage. The fifth example shows how a baron is generally a lord or nobleman.