侯
marquis; noble; surname
Meanings
3 senses · 15 examplesnoun
marquis; second rank of the five feudal peerages
archaicHistorical term from China's feudal system. Often appears in historical contexts.
In ancient times, the status of a marquis was very high.
He was enfeoffed as a marquis of ten thousand households.
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Dukes and marquises are both high-ranking nobles.
This painting depicts the grand banquet of a marquis.
The territory of a marquis is usually very vast.
noun
noble; aristocrat; person of high rank
literaryUsed in literary or metaphorical contexts to refer to the rich and powerful.
The gates of the nobility are as deep as the sea, ordinary people can hardly enter.
In that era, he was a powerful and influential court noble.
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Poems often satirize those nobles who only know how to enjoy themselves.
He was born into a noble family, yet he cared about the whole nation.
Many nobles in history once held immense power for a time.
noun
Hóu; a Chinese surname
A common Chinese surname. Always capitalized when used as a surname.
Mr. Hou is the general manager of our company.
The famous actor Hou Yong starred in this movie.
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The surname Hou is ranked 80th in the Hundred Family Surnames.
My best friend's surname is Hou.
Professor Hou has a great reputation in the academic field.