BARON. This word has but one signification in American law, namely, husband:
we use baron and feme, for husband and wife. And in this sense it is going
out of use.
2. In England, and perhaps some other countries, baron is a title of
honor; it is the first degree of nobility below a viscount. Vide Com. Dig.
Baron and Feme; Bac. Ab. Baron and Feme; and the articles. Husband;
Marriage; Wife.
3. In the laws of the middle ages, baron or bers, (baro) signifies a
great vassal; lord of a fief and tenant immediately from the king: and the
words baronage, barnage and berner, signify collectively the vassals
composing the court of the king; as Le roi et son barnage, The king and his
court. See Spelman's Glossary, verb. Baro.
COVERT, BARON. A wife; so called, from her being under the cover or protection of her husband, baron or lord.