Earldom: meaning, definitions and examples

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earldom

 

[ หˆษชษ™rlหŒdษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

nobility title

An earldom is a rank of nobility in England, traditionally ranking below a marquess and above a viscount. The title of earl has ancient origins, derived from the Old English word 'eorl,' meaning chief or leader. Earldoms are often associated with specific geographical areas, which are typically referred to as the 'shire' or 'county.' The title holder, known as an earl, has historically held land and power within their designated area. In modern times, earldoms continue to exist, but their powers and functions have significantly diminished compared to the past.

Synonyms

countship, nobility

Examples of usage

  • He inherited the earldom upon his father's death.
  • The earldom of Wessex is one of the oldest in England.
  • She was raised in an earldom, surrounded by tradition.
  • The earldom was the subject of a historical documentary.

Translations

Translations of the word "earldom" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น condado

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค•เคพเค‰เค‚เคŸเคฟเคฏเฅ‹เค‚

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Grafenschaft

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ county

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะณั€ะฐั„ัั‚ะฒะพ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ hrabstwo

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ไผฏ็ˆต้ ˜

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท comtรฉ

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ condado

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท kontluk

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ฐฑ์ž‘๋ น

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฅูŠุฑู„ุฏูˆูˆู…

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hrabstvรญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ hrabstvo

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไผฏ็ˆต้ข†

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ grofija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ grafarรญki

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะณั€ะฐั„ัั‚ะฒะพ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒ แƒแƒคแƒฃแƒšแƒ˜ แƒขแƒ”แƒ แƒ˜แƒขแƒแƒ แƒ˜แƒ”แƒ‘แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ graflฤฑq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ condado

Etymology

The term 'earldom' originates from the Old English word 'eorl,' which denoted a chief or nobleman. This title was used during the early medieval period in England, when the social hierarchy was clearly defined. The role of an earl was pivotal in maintaining order and governance over specific territories. As feudalism took hold, earls were granted lands by the king in exchange for loyalty, military service, and political support. The structure of earldoms remained relatively constant until the Norman Conquest in 1066 when the introduction of the title 'count' by the Normans began to influence the English nobility. Over the centuries, earldoms have become part of the ceremonial aspect of British aristocracy, maintaining their cultural significance while their political power has largely waned, except in some ceremonial functions.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #25,675, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.