Earl
Earl
Earl (/ɜːrl/) is a rank of the nobility in Britain. The title originates from the Old Norse word jarl, and was equivalent to Count in much of Europe.
Etymology
The term Earl has been used in England since before the Norman Conquest, derived from the Old English eorl, meaning "warrior" or "nobleman". The Norse form, jarl, originally meant "free-born warrior" or "nobleman", and these two terms were roughly synonymous.
Usage
In the Peerage of the United Kingdom, the title of Earl is the third rank of the peerage, standing above the rank of Viscount, but below Marquess. An Earl's wife is referred to as a Countess. In the Middle Ages, Earls were the highest level of feudal lord, responsible for providing military service to the king in exchange for land.
Related Terms
- Count: The equivalent title in many European countries.
- Countess: The wife of an Earl.
- Viscount: The rank below an Earl in the British peerage.
- Marquess: The rank above an Earl in the British peerage.
- Peerage: The system of titles in the United Kingdom.
- Feudal lord: A person who holds land from a superior and owes allegiance and service in return.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Earl
- Wikipedia's article - Earl
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