Talk:Lords of Coucy
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Sire vs Baron
[edit]Unfortunately, I am unable to recall a source, but there is a distinction between Sire and Baron that explains why the prideful Coucys preferred the former. "Sire" indicates a holder of territory independently of any overlord, effectively a petty monarch in himself. The original usage of "baron" implied "baron of a king", meaning the first rank of persons sworn to the monarch. The "sires" of France would have been the electors of Hugh Capet and after his election would have sworn allegiance to him as his first barons. The king could thereafter create other barons who had not been "sires". Accordingly, "Sire" is a more venerable status. 142.181.220.202 (talk) 14:27, 7 October 2024 (UTC)