noun
- Plural of marquis; a European nobleman of rank below a duke and above an earl or count.
Usage: Also spelled 'marquises' in modern English; 'maquises' is an archaic or variant plural form.
Examples
- The maquises of France held considerable power during the ancien régime.
- Several maquises attended the royal court to pay their respects.
- The title of marquis was held by many maquises throughout European history.