Earl

In English Law. A title of nobility next below a marquis and above a viscount Earls were anciently called comites, because they ment of a shire. After the Norman conquest they were called counts, whence the shires obtained the names of counties. They have now nothing to do with the government of counties, their duties having devolved on the sheriff, the earl's deputy, or vicecomes. 1 Bla. Com. 398.

A title of nobility, formerly the highest in England, now the third, ranking between a marquis and a viscount, and corresponding with the French "comte" and the German "graf." The title originated with the Saxons, and is the most ancient of the English peerage. William the Conqueror first made this title hereditary, giving it in fee to his nobles; and alloting them for the support of their state the third penny out of the sheriff's court, issuing out of all pleas of the shire, whence they had their ancient title "shiremen." At present the title is accompanied by no territory, private or judicial rights, but merely confers nobility and an hereditary seat in the house of lords. Wharton.

— Earl marshal of England. A great officer of state who had anciently several courts under his jurisdiction, as the court of chivalry and the court of honor. Under him is the-herald's office, or college of arms. He was also a judge of the Marshalsea court, now abolished. This office is of great antiquity, and has been for several ages hereditary in the family of the (Howards. 3 Bl. Comm. 68, 103 ; 3 Steph. Comm. 335, note.

— Earldom. The dignity or jurisdiction of an earl. The dignity only remains now, as the jurisdiction has been given over to the sheriff. 1 Bl. Comm. 339.

karle, carl, sax.

In Saxon and old English law. A man; a serving man.

See Sheriff.

in the English law, is a title of nobility next below a marquis and above a viscount. Earls were anciently called comites, be-. cause they were wont comitart regem, to wait upon the king for council and advice. He was also called shireman, because each earl had the civil government of a shire. After the Norman conquest they were called counts, whence the shires obtained the names of counties. They have now nothing to do with the government of counties, which has entirely devolved on the sheriff, the earl’s deputy, or vice-comes.