an appellation of dignity or rank given to princes and persons of distinction.

Titles were not so common among the ancient Greeks or Romans as they are in modern times. Till the reign of Constantine the title of Illustrious was never given except to those who were distinguished in arms or letters: But at length it became hereditary in the families of princes, and every son of a prince was illustrious. The title of Highness was formerly given only to kings. The kings of England before the reign of Henry VIII. were addressed by the title of your Grace. That monarch first assumed the title of Highness, and afterwards that of Majesty. The title of majesty was first given him by Francis I. in their interview in 1520. Charles V. was the first king of Spain who assumed the same title.

Princes, nobles, and clergy, generally have one title derived from their territories and estates, and another derived from their rank or from some other remarkable circumstance. The pope is called the Bishop of Rome, and has the title of Holiness. A cardinal has his name generally from some church, and is saluted by the name of Eminent, or most Eminent. An archbishop, besides being named from his diocese, is called his Grace and most Reverend; a bishop is also distinguished by the name of his diocese, and has the title of his Lordship and right Reverend. Inferior clergymen are denominated Reverend.

The titles of crowned heads derived from their dominions it is unnecessary to mention. It will be sufficient to mention those by which they are addressed. To an emporer emperor is given the title of Imperial Majesty; to kings, that of Majesty; to the princes of Great Britain, Royal Highness; to those of Spain, Infant; to electors, Electoral Highness; to the grand duke of Tuscany, Most Serene Highness; to the other princes of Italy and Germany, Highness; to the doge of Venice, Most Serene Prince; to the grand-master of Malta, Eminence; to nuncios and ambassadors of crowned heads, Excellency; to dukes, Grace; to marquises, earls, and barons, Lordship.

The emperor of China, among his titles, takes that of Tien Su, "Son of Heaven." The Orientals, it is observed, are exceedingly fond of titles; the simple governor of Schiras, for instance, after a pompous enumeration of qualities, lordships, &c. adds the titles of Flower of Courtesy, Nutmeg of Consolation, and Rose of Delight.

in Law, denotes any right which a person has to the possession of a thing, or an authentic instrument whereby he can prove his right. See the articles RIGHT, PROPERTY, &c.

TITLE to the Crown in the British Constitution. See Succession.