Baron/Baroness

A rank of nobility or title of honour, often hereditary, that is usually associated with control over a fief known as a barony. Typically, the title denotes an aristocrat who ranks higher than a lord or knight, but lower than a viscount or count. Barons are most often vassals of a king directly, rather than being subordinate to any other nobles.

Traditionally, a male of this rank is a baron while a female is a baroness.

Type

Nobility, Hereditary

Form of Address

Lord

Source of Authority

Granted by a king or other such head of state.

Length of Term

Lifetime