Understood: as is customary in the civilized world — through voting.
True Cossacks, in all eras, were known for their mobility and their ability to quickly adapt to new territories, founding their own koshes (military and social settlements). This was a rather unique social unit, intrinsic to the Cossack way of life. They managed to efficiently organize life in new conditions thanks to their leaders — known as “sign-bearing Cossacks”, “notable men”, or “respected people” — who were elected in accordance with customary law.
These “notable people” received ranks such as Judge, Treasurer, Standard-Bearer, and other unique and meaningful titles. The bearer of such a title or rank was thereafter addressed as His Excellency, and his wife — Her Excellency. Even in modern society, this still sounds no less distinguished.
In our difficult times, there is no nobler cause than helping Ukrainians fighting for their freedom. Anyone who offers such support — regardless of nationality, age, or gender — is worthy of carrying an ancient title or rank of the Cossack aristocracy, born among free and liberty-loving people.
From the standpoint of Ius Consuetum (customary law), and later the renowned Constitution of Pylyp Orlyk of 1710, the titles and ranks of the Cossack elite remain entirely legitimate even today — as they are granted through a vote by the Noble Cossack Kosh.