viscount

[ vahy-kount ]

noun

1. a nobleman next below an earl or count and next above a baron.
2. History/Historical. a deputy of a count or earl.
3. (in England) a sheriff.

viscount

/ ˈvaɪkaʊnt /

noun

1. (in the British Isles) a nobleman ranking below an earl and above a baron
2. See vicomte
   (in various countries) a son or younger brother of a count See also vicomte
3. (in medieval Europe) the deputy of a count

Word History and Origins

Origin of viscount¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English viscounte, from Anglo-French; Old French visconte, from vis vice ³ + counte count ², translation of Medieval Latin vicecomes

Word History and Origins

Origin of viscount¹

C14: from Old French visconte, from Medieval Latin vicecomes, from Late Latin vice- vice ³ + comes count ²

Example Sentences

Viscount Mandeville, like many British aristocrats, had met her in the U.S. while “hunting” for an American wife.

From The Daily Beast

At no time during the shoot was Viscount Severn directly in front of the Earl of Wessex.

From The Daily Beast

From 1986 to 1995, the Viscount Althorp, as young Charles was then known, worked as a correspondent for NBC, most often for Today.

From The Daily Beast

Her father was a Viscount, so Taylor married into the Catalan aristocracy.

From The Daily Beast

The four page boys listed in today's programme were Hugo Bertie, Viscount Aithrie, Charles Armstrong-Jones and Arthur Chatto.

From The Daily Beast

Admiral Byng was himself the son of an admiral, who was created Viscount Torrington for his distinguished services.

From Project Gutenberg

It was astonishing how rapidly the young viscount recovered when once Violet had come to Other Hall.

From Project Gutenberg

Viscount Melbourne expressed himself to the effect that the Earl of Ripon's motion came like a thunder-clap upon him.

From Project Gutenberg

What was it to her if Harry were made a viscount, a duke, or the Pope?

From Project Gutenberg

She hadn't the faintest idea what the viscount purposed doing, but whatever it was she must stop him.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• aristocrat
• blue blood
• emperor
• patrician