In English law. A tide of dignity next above gentleman, and below knight. Also a title of office given to sher-iffs, serjeants, and barristers at law, justices of the peace, and others. 1 Bi. Comm. 406; 3 Steph. Comm. 15, note; Tomlins, on the use of this term ln American law, particu-iarly as applied to justices of the peace and other inferior judicial officers, see Call v. Foresman, 5 watts (Pa.) 331; Christian v. Ashley County, 24 Ark. 151; Com. v. Vance, 15 Serg. & R. (Pa.) 37