Origin
The term originated at a time when theEvolution of the title
The executive duties of the earldom eventually became redundant as the office became absorbed into that of the sheriff, so the title of earl became a noble and honorary title above 'baron'. Other baronages evolved similarly, until the title itself eventually became 'Sources
*Encyclopædia Britannica, 9th. ed., vol. 3, p. 387-8, BaronFurther reading
* Nicolas, Sir Harris, ''Historic Peerage of England'', ed. CourthopeSee also
*References