county

C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Law Archaic

n. the land that was ruled by a count or countess in the past.

n. the domain or territory historically under the jurisdiction of a count or countess.

Español:condado

“In the middle ages, the count ruled over a large county in the south of France.”

“The historical boundaries of the county were established during the twelfth century when the land was granted to the first count by the king.”

C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun American English · Slang

n. a jail run by the local county government.

n. a correctional facility or jail operated by a county government, typically for short-term detention.

“He spent three nights in county after being arrested for a minor traffic violation.”

“The defendant was held in county pending his bail hearing, as the state prison was reserved for those already convicted of felonies.”

C1 · Advanced British English

adj. typical of wealthy families who live in large houses in the countryside.

adj. characteristic of the traditional landed gentry or aristocratic families associated with a particular county.

“She wore a very county outfit of tweed and leather boots for the garden party.”

“The wedding was a very county affair, attended by all the local landowners and prominent families from the surrounding estates.”