EARL-MARSHAL

a great officer of England, who had, anciently, several courts under his jurisdiction, as the court of chivalry and the court of | honour. He is the head of the College otf Arms (Heralds’ College), grants armorial bearings, and determines all claims in connection with them. Since 1672 the office is hereditary in the family of Howard (Dukes of Norfolk). There was also an earl-marshal of Scotland, the office being hereditary in the Keith family until 1716, when it was abolished.