Page:The Grammar of Heraldry, Cussans, 1866.djvu/89

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Degrees of the Gentry.
75

baronet, the 'Honourable' is omitted; as, 'The Master of Lochman.'

A Knight differs from a baronet in his degree being not hereditary.

The title of Esquire is, strictly speaking, confined to the eldest sons of knights, and their eldest sons; the eldest sons of the youngest sons of nobles; kings-at-arms and heralds who are esquires by creation; esquires of the Bath, on an installation; and to sheriffs of counties, justices of the peace, and mayors of towns, whilst in office. There are many other degrees which give the title of Esquire by courtesy, as, counsellors at law; bachelors of divinity, law, and physic; secretaries of legation, consuls, &c.

Gentlemen are all those who, lawfully entitled to bear arms, are not included in any of the before-mentioned degrees.