A DUKE is a member of the nobility, typically a hereditary title, and is the highest rank of the British peerage system. A PEER is another term for a member of the nobility, and is also a hereditary title. An EARL is a member of the nobility, ranking below a marquess and above a viscount. An ARISTOCRAT is a member of the nobility, typically with a hereditary title, and is a person of high social rank or birth. A BARONET is a member of the nobility, ranking below a baron but above a knight, and is a hereditary title.