earldom

earl-dom · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The rank or title of an earl.

  2. 2.

    The territory or lands governed by an earl.

Forms

plural: earldoms

Related words

See also: duke, earl, nobility
Synonyms: county, peerage

Etymology

From Old English eorl (nobleman, warrior) + -dom (domain, state). The term dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period when earls were among the highest nobility.