Thus, a German woman gains prestige from her husband's position if it's exalted enough, and back in the days when such things counted, went down to dinner before other non-titled ladies.[EA]

What a *great post, BYB - the perfect mixture of information and entertainment. 'tis posts such as this which keep me coming back to AWAD.

I'm curious about the phrase I bolded; how does one go "down to dinner"? Is this in the context of a restaurant, and being seated before someone of lower stature?