EARL

A title of nobility, formerly the highest in England, now the third, ranking between a marquis and a viscount, ll.Ild 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 st(!te the third penny out of the sheriff's court, i uing out of all pleas of the shire, whence they had their ancient title "shiremen." At present the title 1s accom-. panied 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 Marshal sea court, now abolished. This office is of great antiquity, and has been for several ages hereditary in the family of the IHowards. 3 BI. 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 BI. Comm. 339. [s. 414]