society > society and the community > social class > nobility > rank > earl, count, or countess > [noun] > earl or count > rank of earl or count (3)
The domain or territory governed by an earl. Also figurative. Now historical and archaic.
The office, rank, or title of earl; the period in which an earl holds his title. Also used with possessive adjective as an honorific title (as you…
The rank or office of count. Also (chiefly with possessive adjective): a title of respect given to a count.