Earl Marshal

An officer who formerly was of great repute in England. He held the court of chivalry alone as a court of honor, and, in connection with the lord high constable, as a court having criminal jurisdiction. 3 Bl. Comm. 68; 4 Bl. Comm. 467. The duties of the office now are restricted to the settlement of matters of form merely. It would appear, from similarity of duties, and from the derivation of the title, to be a relic of the ancient office of alderman of all England. See "Alderman."

An officer who formerly was of great repute in England. He held the court of chivalry alone as a court of honor, and in connection with the lord high constable as a court having criminal jurisdiction. 3 Bla. Com. 68; 4 id. 268. The duties of the office now are restricted to the settlement of matters of form merely. It would appear, from similarity of duties and from the derivation of the title, to be a relic of the ancient office of alderman of all England. See Coukt of the Eael Marshal.

[L. Lat. comes mariscallus,] A great officer of state in England, who anciently presided in the court of chivalry, or court of honor. 3 Bl, Com. 68. 4 Id, 267. Since the disuse of that court, the office, which still exists, has been confined to the adjusting armorial ensigns, determining the rights of place and precedence, marshalling and conducting coronations, marriages and funerals of the royal family, and proclaiming war and peace. Crabb's Hist. 553, chap, xxxiii.