n. a British nobleman ranking between a marquess and a viscount (cf. COUNT(2)).
Phrases and idioms:
Earl Marshal (in the UK) the officer presiding over the College of Heralds, with ceremonial duties on various royal occasions. Earl Palatine hist. an earl having royal authority within his country or domain.
Derivatives:
earldom n.
Etymology: OE eorl, of unkn. orig.