TITLES

are indicative of rank, dignity, or calling. In the ordinary sense t. means a t. of rank, which in Europe is commonly hereditary, knighthood being the exception. In England, by the law of primo-geniture, only one person can bear the title in a single generation; but in France the various titles are enjoyed by all the sons; and the Ru , title of ‘prince’ belongs to all male descendants of the former reigning houses of Ru ia, Poland, and Lithuania. In former Empires of Germany and Austria the titles commonly pa ed to all the sons. The oldest European title is ‘count,’ which dates from the early Rom. Empire. ‘Baron’ stood for ‘man,’ and applied to the king’s tenants-in-chief. Then in England come, in ascending rank, earls, up the peerage. Baronets, who are outside the peerage, were first created by James I, In the R.C. Church ‘cardinal’ is a title of honor, and its bestowal makes the recipient a prince of the Church. The univ’s confer titles of honor when they give honorary degrees—