n
any of the members of the British House of Lords who hold their position as a reward for public service but cannot pass their title on to their children. Male life peers are given the title of baron and are addressed as ‘Lord’, and female life peers are given the title of baroness or countess and are addressed as ‘Lady’, ‘Baroness’ or ‘Countess’. Life peerages are given by the government, often to former Members of Parliament .
➡ note at peerage .