a British title of nobility, next below a marquis, and above a viscount.

The title is so ancient, that its original cannot be clearly traced out. This much, however, seems tolerably certain, that among the Saxons they were called ealdormen, quasi elder men, signifying the same with senior or senator among the Romans; and also seniorem, because they had each of them the civil government of a several division or shire. On the irruption of the Danes they changed their names to earles, which, according to Cambden, signified the same in their language. In Latin they are called comites, (a title first used in the empire), from being the king's attendants; a societate nonnumquam, regis enim tales sibi afficiant. After the Norman conquest they were for some time called counts, or countess, from the French; but they did not long retain that name themselves, tho' their shires are from thence called counties to this day. It is now become a mere title: they have nothing to do with the government of the county; which is now entirely devolved on the sheriff, the earl's deputy, or vice-count. In writs, commissions, and other formal instruments, the king, when he mentions any peer of the degree of an earl, usually styles him "trusty and well-beloved cousin;" an appellation as ancient as the reign of Henry IV.; who being either by his wife, his mother, or his sisters, actually related or allied to every earl in the kingdom, artfully and constantly acknowledged that connexion in all his letters and other public acts; from whence the usage has descended to his successors, though the reason has long ago failed.

An earl is created by cincture of sword, mantle of state put upon him by the king himself, a cap and a coronet put upon his head, and a charter in his hand. All the earls of England are denominated from some shire, town, or place, except three; two of whom, viz. earl Rivers, and earl Paulet, take their denomination from illustrious families: the third is not only honorary as all the rest, but also officiary, as the earl-marshal of England.

Earl Marshal of England, is a great officer who had anciently several courts under his jurisdiction, as the court of chivalry, and the court of honour. Under him is also the herald's office or college of arms. He hath some pre-eminence in the court of Marshalsea, where he may sit in judgment against those who offend within the verge of the king's court. The office is of great antiquity in England, and anciently of greater power than now; and has been for several ages hereditary in the most noble family of Howard.