PEER

(From the Latin j9rtr, French 7)rt?V.) Equal, which meaning it still retains in the language of the common law, as trial by jury is said to be by the peers, or equals, of the defendant. In this sense, the name remains as a relic of feudal institutions, according to which every rank of society formed an a ociation for the purpose of mutual defence and the decision of disputes; as the tenants of a lord paramount or inferior, who met as equals (pares curite) in the court over which he presided. Hence, in the French monarchy, the highest va als of the crown formed a rank apart, and were called pares or peers with reference to each other; and the designation became a title of honour. The peers of France differed in number at different periods of the early French monarchy, as their domains became united to the crown; but, according to heraldic theory, there are six temporal, — the Dukes of Burgundy, Aquitaine,and Normandy, and Counts of Flanders, Toulouse, and Champagne; and six spiritual, — the Archbishop of Rheims, and the Bishops of Laon, Beauvais, Noyon, Chalons, and Langres. In later times new peerages were created, as the duchy of Britt any and counties of Artois and Anjou. At last the title remained as a simple dignity; and Louis XIV. increased the number of dukes and peers (dues et pairs) until at last they amounted to thirty-seven. They had no privileges except precedence, and a seat in the parliaments. On the restoration of Louis XVIII. hereditary peerage was established in France on the model of that of England, but was abolished in 1831; and the members of the present chamber of peers are nominated for life by the people. For the history and privileges of the English peerage, see Parliament. There is a curious analysis of the English peerage in the Quart. lievietv, vol. 41. [s. 918]