from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Barony \Bar"o*ny\, n.; pl. {Baronies}. [OF. baronie, F.
baronnie, LL. baronia. See {Baron}.]
1. The fee or domain of a baron; the lordship, dignity, or
rank of a baron.
[1913 Webster]
2. In Ireland, a territorial division, corresponding nearly
to the English {hundred}, and supposed to have been
originally the district of a native chief. There are 252
of these baronies. In Scotland, an extensive freehold. It
may be held by a commoner. --Brande & C.
[1913 Webster]