Noun
The jurisdiction of an earl; the territorial possessions of an earl.
The status, title, or dignity of an earl.
Source: Webster's dictionaryThe nation looked upon him as a deserter, and he shrunk into insignificancy and an earldom. Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield
According to Heather Edwards in the Oxford Dictionary of National Biography, it is probable that Sussex was not annexed by Wessex until 827. citation The earldom of Sussex seems later to have been sometimes combined with that of Kent. Source: Internet
A modus vivendi had been achieved between Warwick and the king for some months, but the restoration of Henry Percy to Montagu's earldom of Northumberland prevented any chance of full reconciliation. Source: Internet
Essex's conviction for treason meant that the earldom was forfeit, and his son did not inherit the title. Source: Internet
Although the annexation of the earldom by Scotland took place over five centuries ago in 1472, most Orcadians regard themselves as Orcadians first and Scots second. Source: Internet
Atholl's hold on the rich earldom of Strathearn was weak and both he and Robert would have realised that after the earl's death Strathearn would have reverted to the crown. Source: Internet