in general, signifies an equal, or one of the same rank and station.

The term peer is now applied to those who are impannelled 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.

**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.

**Peers of France**, the twelve great lords of that kingdom, of which six are dukes, and six counts; and of these, six are ecclesiastics, and six laymen: thus, the archbishop of Rheims, and the bishop of Laon and Langres are dukes and peers; and the bishops of Chalon on the Marne, Noyons, and Beauvais, are counts and peers. The dukes of Burgundy, Normandy, and Aquitain, are lay peers and dukes; and the counts of Flanders, Champagne, and Toulouse, lay peers and counts. These peers still assist at the coronation of kings, either in person or by their representatives, where each performs the functions attached to his respective dignity: but as the six lay peerages are all at present united to the crown except that of the count of Flanders, five lords of the first quality are chosen to represent them; but the ecclesiastical peers usually assist in person. At present the title of peer is bestowed on every lord whose estate is erected into a peerage, the number of which is uncertain, and it depends entirely on the king.