The phrase "dozen peers" refers to the twelve knights who sit on a jury in British law. The spelling of "dozen" is straightforward, pronounced as "duhz-uhn." But the pronunciation of "peers" can be more challenging. It is written as "pɪərz," with the symbol ɪ representing the "short i" sound, and ə denoting the "schwa" sound. The final "s" is pronounced as a "z" because it occurs after a voiced sound. Together, "dozen peers" is pronounced as "duhz-uhn pɪərz."
A dozen peers refers to a group of twelve individuals who are considered equals or of a similar status within a particular setting or organization. The term originates from the British legal system, where it specifically denotes the twelve jurors assigned to a jury in a criminal trial. These jurors, collectively referred to as the "dozen peers," are responsible for carefully evaluating the evidence presented in court and deciding upon the guilt or innocence of the accused.
Beyond its legal context, the term can also be used more broadly to designate any group of twelve individuals that share a common purpose or are deemed equivalent in importance or rank. For example, in certain social or professional circles, a selected group of twelve experts or authorities may be designated as a "dozen peers" who are called upon to provide advice, make decisions, or influence policies.
The phrase reflects the ancient and revered tradition of viewing twelve individuals as a significant and representative number pertaining to judgments, decisions, or collective agreement. It encapsulates the notion of a balanced and fair judgment reached collectively through the combined perspectives and deliberations of twelve individuals, respected and trusted within their domain.
The term "dozen peers" does not have its own specific etymology, as it is a phrase composed of two separate words.
1. Dozen: The word "dozen" originated from the Old French word "dozaine" which meant a group of twelve. This French word came from the Latin word "duodecim" combining "duo" meaning two and "decem" meaning ten, literally translating to "two tens". The English word "dozen" has been used since the 14th century to refer to a group or set of twelve items.
2. Peers: The word "peers" has a separate etymology. It is derived from the Old French word "per", which comes from Latin "par" meaning equal. the English language, "peer" began to be used in the 14th century to denote someone of equal status, especially in terms of nobility.