BARONET. This is a modern degree of honour, instituted by king James I. on the 22d of May, 1611,
and the 9th year of his reign; who made it hereditary in the male line, as an encouragement to those of his subjects who assisted in the reduction of the province of Ulster in Ireland. The number of baronets was first restricted to 200; but it is now enlarged at the king's pleasure, without limitation. The title of baronet is conferred by patent under the great seal; and, like other knights, he is distinguished by the appellative Sir, prefixed to his Christian name, in speaking and writing.
No person could be admitted into this order, unless he was a gentleman of unblemished morals, and possessed of an yearly income of 1000l. in land; and the express condition of his admission was, that he should pay 1095l. for the maintenance of 30 soldiers, for three years on the military establishment of Ireland. As an armorial badge of distinction, a baronet wears, in a canton or escutcheon, the arms of Ulster, viz. Argent, a sinister Hand couped at the wrist, Gules.