/ ˈmɑːkwɪs; NAmE ˈmɑːrk-/ noun
1.
(in some European countries but not Britain) a nobleman of high rank between a count and a duke
2.
= marquess
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle 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 .