'Marquis' definitions:

Definition of 'Marquis'

(from WordNet)
noun
Humorist who wrote about the imaginary life of cockroaches (1878-1937) [syn: Marquis, Don Marquis, Donald Robert Perry Marquis]
noun
Nobleman (in various countries) ranking above a count [syn: marquis, marquess]

Definition of 'Marquis'

From: GCIDE
  • Marquis \Mar"quis\, n. [F. marquis, OF. markis, marchis, LL. marchensis; of German origin; cf. G. mark bound, border, march, OHG. marcha. See March border, and cf. Marchioness, Marquee, Marquess.] A nobleman in England, France, and Germany, of a rank next below that of duke. Originally, the marquis was an officer whose duty was to guard the marches or frontiers of the kingdom. The office has ceased, and the name is now a mere title conferred by patent. [1913 Webster]