countship

[kount-ship]

noun

1. the rank or position of a count.

2. the territory or jurisdiction of a count.

Word History and Origins

Origin of countship¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; count ² + -ship

Example Sentences

Hesse-Nassau was formed in 1867-1868 out of the territories which accrued to Prussia after the war of 1866, namely, the landgraviate of Hesse-Cassel and the duchy of Nassau, in addition to the greater part of the territory of Frankfort-on-Main, parts of the grand-duchy of Hesse, the territory of Homburg and the countship of Hesse-Homburg, together with certain small districts which belonged to Bavaria.

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When the countship of Mansfeld was sequestrated, Hettstedt came into the possession of Saxony, passing to Prussia in 1815.

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His widow Alida, however, an ambitious woman of strong character, as soon as her husband was dead, hurried on a marriage between Ada and Count Louis of Loon; and attempted with the nobles of Holland, who now for the first time make their appearance as a power in the country, to oppose the claim which William had made to the countship as heir in the male line.

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On his succession to the countship the Hollanders were willing to receive him, John II. of the House of Avesnes. but the Zeelanders were hostile; and a long struggle ensued before his authority was generally recognized.

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At first a countship, its two branches were raised to the rank of principalities of the Empire in 1744 and 1764 respectively; in 1806 they lost their independence and their lands now form part of the kingdoms of Bavaria and of W�rttemberg.

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