PEER, in general, signifies an equal, or one of the same rank and station.
The term peer is now applied to those who are impanelled in an inquest upon a person for convicting or acquitting him of any offence laid to his charge; and the reason why the jury is so called, is, because by the common law, and the custom of this kingdom, every person is to be tried by his peers or equals, a lord by the lords, and a commoner by commoners.