marquess/marquis: holder of second highest rank of dignity in peerage (2), called a marquessate. The term is said to derive from the term march, a border area, whose custodian was of high rank as early as Carolingian times. The first marquess in the English peerage was created in 1385 (see SAINT ALBANS, Lineage (of de Vere)). The spelling marquis is preferred by some holders of that title, usually Scottish and in particular the Duke of Roxburghe (qv). In such cases it is said to recall historic links between Scotland and France, the French word for marquess being of course marquis.

As with an earl, a marquess's title may derive from a place name, in which case it carries an 'of, or be a personal one, such as 'Conyngham', in which case it does not. A marquess is addressed or referred to as 'The Marquess (of) Blank' or 'The Most Hon The Marquess (of) Blank' in ascending order of formality. His wife is addressed or referred to as 'The Marchioness (of) Blank' or 'The Most Hon The Marchioness (of) Blank'. For his eldest son and heir see courtesy title. His younger sons and all daughters are addressed as for those of a duke. Marquessates were often awarded to Viceroys of India.