peerage and order of merit
Historical term referring to the system of noble ranks and decorations, especially in pre-war Japan. Not used in everyday modern contexts.
The peerage and order of merit system was abolished after the war.
Compound of 勲 (merit, distinguished service) and 爵 (peerage, rank of nobility). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the term was used in the context of the Japanese peerage system (華族制度) and orders of merit.