earldom

[url-duh m]

noun

Also called earlship. the rank or title of an earl.

the territory or jurisdiction of an earl.

Nearby words

Origin of earldom

before 1150; Middle English erldom, Old English eorldōm. See earl, -dom,

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for earldom

Here stands an English Earl, who will defend his earldom and the lands of his King.
A Book of Golden Deeds|Charlotte M. Yonge
The point was not made quite clear, but I gathered that Conroy could have any kind of title that he liked, up to an earldom.
The Red Hand of Ulster|George A. Birmingham
He was styled Viscount Royston from 1754 till 1764, when he succeeded to the earldom.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 8|Various
While still very young (before 1045) he was appointed to the earldom of the East-Angles.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 1|Various

Besides, it was asked, why was not the Earldom given in the usual way to Con and his heirs male?
Ireland Under the Tudors, Vol. II (of 3)|Richard Bagwell

British Dictionary definitions for earldom

earldom

noun

the rank, title, or dignity of an earl or countess

the lands of an earl or countess

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for earldom

earldom

early 12c., from earl + -dom.