marquis

A nobleman ranking below a duke and above an earl or a count.

Used as a title for such a nobleman.

In Great Britain and France, and in other countries where corresponding titles exist, a nobleman whose rank is intermediate between that of an earl or count and that of a duke.

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.

A nobleman in England, France, and Germany, of a rank next below that of duke, but above a count. 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.

nobleman (in various countries) ranking above a count

humorist who wrote about the imaginary life of cockroaches (1878-1937)