The concept of noblesse as opposed to "nobility" is old: in 1901 a Canadian heraldist Edward Marion Chadwick discussed the difference between the two in France: "pairie" is similar to English peerage, while noblesse consists of gentlemen commoners.
[4] This form of hereditary nobility is mostly based on Innes' interpretation of historical precedents and practices: A patent of arms is − and I say this with full official weight − a Diploma of NobilityInnes drew on historical English heraldic traditions, arguing that just as other officers of the Crown had been delegated the power to ennoble individuals in the past, the Lord Lyon should also hold the authority to do so through the granting of coat of arms.
[6][7][8] However, Innes' position was complicated by the fact that he simultaneously opposed the direct application of English heraldic law and practice to the Scottish context.
The soundness of the basis for Innes' belief that Scottish armigers, by virtue of being granted arms, automatically attain a status of hereditary nobility has been a subject of uncertainty and debate among historians and heraldic scholars.
Innes relied heavily on documenting historical English precedents to support his claims despite the fact that he sought to differentiate the Scottish heraldic system from that of England.