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Definition of earldom

earldom

/ˈɜːrl.dəm/
earl · dom
Plural:earldoms
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earldom Lexical Profile

earldom Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The rank, title, or status of an earl.

Example

"Upon the death of his father, the eldest son inherited the family earldom and a seat in the House of Lords."

2

The territory, domain, or landed estate governed or held by an earl.

Example

"In eleventh-century England, the powerful earldom of Wessex encompassed much of the southern coast."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for earldom

• Nearby Words

earful
earhole
earl
earldom
earless
earless lizard
earliness

Word Origin & Etymology

From Old English 'eorldom', formed from 'eorl' (nobleman, warrior, or chieftain) and '-dom' (jurisdiction, state, or condition). Historically, it denoted the vast provincial territory governed by an Anglo-Saxon or Scandinavian earl on behalf of the king before evolving into a hereditary peerage rank.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Earldom. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/earldom
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