noun
( plural earls marshals or earl marshals or earls marshal )
Etymology: Middle English erl marshal, from erl earl + marshal
1. : a marshal of England who since 1194 has always been at least an earl in rank, who in medieval times was a principal military officer of the crown, but who in more recent times has been chiefly an attendant upon the sovereign at the opening and closing of Parliament arranging the order of state processions (as for coronations and royal marriages and funerals) and as head of the College of Arms appointing kings of arms, heralds, and pursuivants
2. : a former marshal of Scotland or of Ireland when either office was held by an earl — compare earl marischal