marquis
noun /ˈmɑːkwɪs/
  /ˈmɑːrkwɪs/
- (in some European countries but not the UK) a nobleman of high rank between a count and a duke
 - (also marquess)(in the UK) a nobleman of high rank between an earl and a duke
 
Word OriginMiddle English: from Old French marchis, reinforced by Old French marquis, both from the base of march ‘an area of land on the border between two countries or territories’.