Slowly a chivalric ideal developed, and chivalric virtues such as bravery and gallantry were praised.

As military importance of knights decreased during 14th and 15th centuries, chivalric system became more of a cultural institution. The knights became more closely attached to royal and princely courts, and more importance was given to heraldry and various ceremonies. It became increasingly more common for king or prince to create new nobles by means of letters patent, and soon this newly created titular nobility had by far outnumbered original nobility. During 16th, 17th and 18th centuries creation of new nobles in many countries became so extensive they were soon regarded as "only" and "real" nobility. The original nobility had by then in many cases lost their original landed properties, due to ward and seizures, and along with them recognition they once enjoyed.

So it was that exception became rule (patent nobility) and substance was replaced by shadow (landed properties with honorific titles). But until this day it remains true that "Laws may be changed, privileges may expire. But duties to Fatherland remain. And once those duties are fulfilled, little does it worry true nobility where its position in society is put" (Count Gustaf Lagerbjelke, 1866).

A title of nobility is to be understood as a rank, similarly (and in some respects corresponding) to military ranks. Usually noble rank is indicated by a coronet ("crown") on coat of arms, with one specific coronet signifying each rank. The coronets may have a different number of pearls or leaves to indicate each rank, etc. The customs are different in different countries.

A title of nobility, as it is used today, is in most cases honorific, that is, it does only carry honorific privileges. These honorific rights include rights to be recognised as a nobleman / noblewoman and belonging to class of nobility, right to (where appropriate) use title in question, right to use noble arms with proper noble insignia, and right by common law to certain appropriate predicates.