earldom

noun

earl·​dom ˈərldəm 

ˈə̄l-, 

ˈəil-

plural -s

1

: the domain or territory of an earl or countess

2

: the rank or dignity of an earl or countess

Word History

Etymology

Middle English erldom, from Old English eorldōm, from eorl earl + -dōm -dom

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 2

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