earl

/ə:l/

Thân thiện

An earl receives guests in his grand hall.

Definition

Noun: 1. A British nobleman: An "earl" is a title of nobility in the United Kingdom, historically ranking below a marquess and above a viscount. It is the British equivalent of a count in many other European countries.

Usage

• The title "earl" is used as a form of address, typically preceding the territorial name (e.g., Earl of Grantham). The wife of an earl is a countess.
• It is a hereditary title, usually passed down to the eldest son.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The Earl of Warwick was a powerful figure in medieval England.
  • He inherited the title of earl from his father.
  • The ceremony was attended by several dukes and earls.

Advanced Usage

• "Earl" in historical context: The title originates from the Old English "eorl," meaning a man of noble birth or a warrior. Its role and power have evolved significantly from the Anglo-Saxon period to the present day.

Variants and Related Words

• Earldom (n): The rank, title, or lands of an earl.
  • He succeeded to the earldom in 1990.
• Count (n): The equivalent noble title in most other European countries (e.g., France, Italy). In England, "count" is not used; "earl" is the correct term.

Synonyms

• Peer: A member of the British nobility (a general term that includes dukes, marquesses, earls, viscounts, and barons).
• Nobleman: A man who belongs to the aristocratic class.

Related Idioms

• (To be) as proud as an earl: An expression describing someone who is extremely proud or haughty. (This idiom is now somewhat archaic).
  • After his promotion, he walked around the office as proud as an earl.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a British peer ranking below a marquess and above a viscount