Marquis vs. Marquise — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 26, 2023
Difference Between Marquis and Marquise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Marquis refers to a nobleman ranking below a duke and above a count in various European countries. Marquise, on the other hand, is the title for a woman holding the rank of marquis, either in her own right or through marriage.
Historically, a marquis held jurisdiction over a march, a border territory. A marquise, as the wife or widow of a marquis, often shared or inherited these responsibilities.
In terms of precedence, marquis is a high-ranking title in the aristocratic hierarchy. Similarly, a marquise is given high social standing, reflecting her husband's or her own rank.
In literature and popular culture, a marquis is often depicted as a powerful, sometimes controversial figure. A marquise can also be a central character, embodying elegance, power, or intrigue.
Both titles carry historical significance and social prestige. They represent centuries-old traditions of nobility and aristocracy in Europe.
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Comparison Chart
Gender
Male
Female
Rank
Nobleman
Noblewoman
Origin
Overseeing border territories
Female counterpart
Social Standing
High
Equally High
Literary Depiction
Powerful figure
Elegance and intrigue
Compare with Definitions
Marquis
Nobleman
The Marquis of Winchester has a storied history.
Marquise
Wife of Marquis
As a marquise, she hosted lavish parties.
Marquis
Cultural Icon
The marquis is often a character in historical dramas.
Marquise
Title Holder
She became marquise in her own right.
Marquis
Landowner
The marquis owns vast estates.
Marquise
Cultural Icon
In novels, the marquise is often a central figure.
Marquis
Historic Figure
The marquis played a key role in medieval politics.
Marquise
Noblewoman
The Marquise de Pompadour was influential in court.
Marquis
A nobleman ranking below a duke and above an earl or a count.
Marquise
Historic Figure
The marquise contributed to arts patronage.
Marquis
Used as a title for such a nobleman.
Marquise
The wife or widow of a marquis.
Marquis
Pl. mar·quis·es (-kwĭ-sĭz) (märkwĭs) Variant of marquess.
Marquise
See marchioness.
Marquis
A nobleman in England, France, and Germany, of a rank next below that of duke, but above a count. Originally, the marquis was an officer whose duty was to guard the marches or frontiers of the kingdom. The office has ceased, and the name is now a mere title conferred by letters patent or letters close.
Marquise
Used as a title for a marquise.
Marquis
Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the Asian genus Bassarona (or Euthalia).
Marquise
See marquee.
Marquis
A nobleman in England, France, and Germany, of a rank next below that of duke. Originally, the marquis was an officer whose duty was to guard the marches or frontiers of the kingdom. The office has ceased, and the name is now a mere title conferred by patent.
Marquise
A finger ring set with a pointed oval stone or cluster of pointed oval stones.
Marquis
Humorist who wrote about the imaginary life of cockroaches (1878-1937)
Marquise
A pointed oval shape of a gem.
Marquis
Nobleman (in various countries) ranking above a count
Marquise
A marchioness, especially one who is French.
Marquis
Aristocratic Title
He became a marquis through royal favor.
Marquise
A marquee.
Marquise
(jewelry) An oval cut gemstone with pointed ends.
Marquise
(architecture) A canopy, usually of glass, set as a shelter over a door opening onto a terrace or pavement.
Marquise
(historical) A style of parasol of the mid-19th century.
Marquise
(cooking) A rich dessert made with dark chocolate, butter, sugar, cocoa powder, eggs, and cream.
Marquise
The wife of a marquis; a marchioness.
Marquise
A noblewoman ranking below a duchess and above a countess
Marquise
Permanent canopy over an entrance of a hotel etc.
Common Curiosities
What is a marquis?
A marquis is a nobleman ranking below a duke.
What is a marquise?
A marquise is a noblewoman with the rank of a marquis, either in her own right or as a wife.
How does one become a marquis?
Traditionally, it's a hereditary title or granted by a monarch.
Does a marquise have any responsibilities?
Historically, she might have shared her husband's duties or held responsibilities if widowed.
Can a woman be a marquis?
No, the female equivalent is a marquise.
How is the title of marquis different from a duke?
A marquis ranks below a duke in the aristocratic hierarchy.
Can a marquise inherit her title?
In certain cases, yes, if the laws of succession permit.
Is the title of marquis hereditary?
Generally, it's a hereditary title.
Are there famous historical marquises?
Yes, such as the Marquis de Lafayette.
Are marquises and marquises depicted in literature?
Yes, often as influential or complex characters.
Is the role of a marquis purely ceremonial?
Today, it's mostly ceremonial, but historically it involved governance.
Is the title of marquis still used today?
Yes, in some countries as a ceremonial title.
Can a marquis marry someone of lower social rank?
Historically, this was rare but not impossible.
Does a marquise have a coat of arms?
Typically, she shares or has her own, depending on her title's origin.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
