PEER, in general, signifies an equal, or one of the same rank and station: hence in the acts of some councils, we find these words, with the consent of our peers, bishops, abbots, &c. Afterwards the same term was applied to the vassals or tenants of the same lord, who were called peers, because they were all equal in condition, and obliged to serve and attend him in his courts; and peers in fief, because they all held fiefs of the same lord.
The term peers 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. See the article JURY.
PEER of the Realm, a noble lord who has a seat and vote in the house of lords, which is also called the House of Peers.
These lords are called peers, because though there is a distinction of degrees in our nobility, yet in public actions they are equal, as in their votes in parliament, and in trying any nobleman or other person impeached by the commons, &c. See PARLIAMENT.
A countess or baroness may not be arrested for debt or trespass; for though in respect of their sex, they cannot sit in parliament, they are nevertheless peers of the realm, and shall be tried by their peers, &c.