Barometz

( Bot. ) See CIBOTIUM. Bar'on, n. [Fr. baron; A. S. baron, beorn: O. Fr. ber; Provençal, bar. ] ( Her.) In the feudal system of the Middle Ages, the title B., derived from the Latin varo, which signifies a man, and, sometimes, a servant, was given, at first, to the immediate tenant of any superior. In old records, the citizens of London are so styled. The family of Montmorency, in France, called themselves, premiers barons de la Chrétienté. This title was introduced by William the Conqueror into England, from Normandy, and used to signity an immediate va al of the crown, who had a seat and vote in the royal court and tribunals, and, subsequently, in the house of peers. It was the second rank of nobility, until dukes and mar quises were introduced, and placed above the earls, and viscounts also set above the barons. In Germany, the ancient barons of the empire were the immediate va als of the crown. They appeared in the imperial court and diet, and belonged to the high nobility. But these ancient feudatories were early elevated to the rank of counts or princes. The modern barons only form a rank of lower nobility after the counts. - In England, B is the lowest grade of rank in the House of Lords. The coronation robes of a B. differ from those of the other peers in having but two rows of spots on the mantle; and the parliamentary robes, in having but two guards of white fur, with rows of gold lace. The right of wearing a coronet was first conferred on B. by Charles II. It is adorned with 6 pearls, set at equal distances, of which 4 are usually shown. A B. is styled "Right Honorable," and his children enjoy the prefix of "Honorable."-In England, too, the four puisne judges of the Court of Exchequer bear the title of baron, and the chief judge that of Lord Chief Baron of the Exchequer . They are addre ed as "My Lord," but have no seat in the House of Lords, unle by being previously made a member of the peerage. - Barons of the Cinque Ports. Formerly members of the House of Commons, elected, two for each, by the seven Cinque Ports, q . v. Baron and Femme. (Law.) A term used in the old English law-books for husband and wife. Baron of beef. (Cookery.) Two sirloins of beef joined together by a part of the backbone.