præamble

That the word “magnates” beares the meaning of “commoners,” as well as lords, is expounded by a parlement itſelfe, in the præamble to the ſtatute Staple; wherin is ſaid. “Wheras good deliberation had with the prelats, dukes, earles, barons, and great men of the counties; that is to ſay, of every countey one, for all the countey, &c.ᵃ” So that the word “magnates” here is expreſſely uſed for “commoners, knights of ſhires;” and may therfore beare the like conſtruction in other times, and places. So in a plea rolle, in the tower, a law is mentioned made by the king, biſhops, earles, “barons, and other great men,” and the king’s councell; where magnates are reckoned beſides, and after, baronsᵇ.