ˈər(.ə)l, ˈə̄l, ˈəil noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English erl, from Old English eorl warrior, nobleman; akin to Old Saxon erl man, Old Norse jarl warrior, nobleman ranking next to a king, and perhaps to Old English rīsan to rise — more at rise
1. in Anglo-Saxon England
a. : a man of noble rank
b. : the governor of one of the great divisions of England established by Canute
2. obsolete : a feudal noble or prince : count
3. : a member of the third grade of the peerage in Great Britain ranking below a marquess and above a viscount — compare count ; see countess