Boaire
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"Boaire" was a title given to a member of medieval and earlier Gaelic societies prior to the introductions of English law. A Boaire was a 'free-holder', a sub-noble grade. A Boaire was not a noble, so his properties and position could be inherited by primogeniture or appointment, not via tanistry, as Gaelic laws dictated for noble titles and benefits. He would control a Treba, a division of land for ranching and farming. His territory could be quite expansive, and, to fill the needs of management, a Boaire would often appoint from his relatives and friends, Ocairi (sing. Ocaire), the 'lesser' holder, to maintain and organize a region of his properties.
The title of Boaire, however, was not exclusively held by the ignoble. Technically all Gaelic nobility were given Treba at their ascension, so they would share the duties and responsibilities of the Boaire in this sense. However, this Treba would be a royal property and could not be given wholesale to the noble's children or others. The actual Boairi were free to do this with their property. The particularly wealthy Boairi were known in Ireland as Mruighfer, Strong Farmers.
Despite lacking an actual noble title, the Boairi acted in many respects as nobles. They kept a court of advisors and officials, such as a Deogbaire, the cup-bearer; a Muire, the marshal and sheriff; and a Sciathaire, the shield-maker. While not officially having recognition as a noble grade, and instead being the highest grade of ignoble free-men, they were treated as nobles by numerous foreigners, and many held regional sub-noble titles, such as being a chief of a lesser tribe or clan.
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