Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EARL, n. [erl; Sax. eorl; Ir. iarla, an earl; earlamh, noble. This word is said to have been received from the Danes, although not now used in Denmark. Formerly this title among the Danes was equivalent to the English alderman. Spelman.]

A British title of nobility, or a nobleman, the third in rank, being next below a marquis, and next above a viscount. The title answers to count [compte] in France, and graaf in Germany. The earl formerly had the government of a shire, and was called shireman. After the Conquest, earls were called counts, and from them shires have taken the name of counties. Earl is now a mere title, unconnected with territorial jurisdiction. Spelman. Encyc.