from
Bouvier's Law Dictionary, Revised 6th Ed (1856)
NOBILITY. An order of men in several countries to whom privileges are
granted at the expense of the rest of the people.
2. The constitution of the United States provides that no state shall
"grant any title of nobility; and no person can become a citizen of the
United States until he has renounced all titles of nobility." The
Federalist, No. 84; 2 Story, Laws U. S. 851. 3. There is not in the
constitution any general prohibition against any citizen whomsoever, whether
in public or private life, accepting any foreign title of nobility. An
amendment of the constitution in this respect has been recommended by
congress, but it has not been ratified by a sufficient number of states to
make it a part of the constitution. Rawle on the Const. 120; Story, Const.
Sec. 1346.