A "Baron" is a title of nobility in various European countries, often ranking below a viscount and above a knight. Historically, barons were landowners who held their estates directly from a king or higher noble, and they had certain privileges and responsibilities, including military service. In the feudal system, barons played a crucial role in governance and local administration. They managed their lands, collected taxes, and provided protection to the people living on their estates. The title can also be hereditary, passed down through generations, and is still used in some modern contexts, such as in the British peerage system.