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Marquis - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Marquis : \Mar"quis\, n. [F. marquis, OF. markis, marchis, LL.
marchensis; of German origin; cf. G. mark bound, border,
march, OHG. marcha. See March border, and cf.
Marchioness, Marquee, Marquess.]
A nobleman in England, France, and Germany, of a rank next
below that of duke. Originally, the marquis was an officer
whose duty was to guard the marches or frontiers of the
kingdom. The office has ceased, and the name is now a mere
title conferred by patent.
Based on WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003)
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