Ranking distant was a family rank of the Chiss Ascendancy. In the Chiss hierarchy, it was situated above Trial-born and below the rank of cousin.
Once a Trial-born attained the rank of ranking distant, their bloodline would thereafter be incorporated into the family's; guaranteeing that their descendants have a place within their family.
Councilor Xodlak'uvi'vil of Redhill province, Celwis was a ranking distant among the Xodlak family who sought to increase his rank to that of Cousin, so that his future would be assured.