Titles, designations to which certain persons are legally entitled, in consequence of possessing particular dignities or offices; see ADDRESS (FORMS OF), PRECEDENCE, MAJESTY, ROYAL FAMILY, DUKE, MARQUIS, &c.; also COURTESY TITLES.
Though most European countries have their dukes, marquises, counts, viscounts, and barons, these often differ considerably in rank from the seemingly corresponding titles in Britain, and the English rules and practices regarding title are not applicable abroad. The complicated system of titles by law, and still more by courtesy, which prevails in England is a source of endless perplexity to such foreigners as endeavour to make themselves acquainted with British usages. For a title to Orders, see Vol. VII. p. 630; and for the subject of titles generally, see Edward Solly's Index of Hereditary Titles of Honour (Index Soc. 1879).