earl
n. countable C2 Proficiency US //ˈɝɫ// UK //ˈɜːl// earl
n. a high-ranking man in the British social system. He is below a marquess but above a viscount.
n. a British nobleman of high rank, specifically the third tier of the peerage. The title is hereditary and ranks above a viscount and below a marquess.
The Earl lives in a large historic house.
The local museum was founded by the third Earl in the late nineteenth century.
While the title of Earl is ancient, the modern duties associated with the peerage are largely ceremonial and focused on the preservation of historical estates.
From earl (“nobleman”).
Usage
When used as a title before a name, it is capitalized; the female equivalent is a Countess.