In
Scotland, a
Baron is the head of a "feudal" barony (also known as
prescriptive barony). This used to be attached to a particular piece of land on which was the "caput" (Latin meaning 'head'), or the essence of the
barony, normally a building, such as a castle or manor house. Accordingly, the owner of the piece of land containing the "caput" was the
Baron or
Baroness.