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With James' support, George became an earl, a marquess and ultimately a duke (a rarity for nonroyals).—Patrick Ryan, USA TODAY, 9 Apr. 2024 Klimek: Moving into the 20th century, Tony cited the story of an English earl named Lord Carnarvon.—Chris Klimek, Smithsonian Magazine, 24 Aug. 2023 Work began on the castle’s symmetrical wings and crowning dome in 1699 and after the lifetimes of three earls, it was finally completed in 1811.—Rachel Silva, ELLE Decor, 8 Sep. 2023 Other changes came at the hands of 18th and 19th century Westminster Abbey schoolboys, including future earls, who carved their initials and other graffiti on the back of the chair.—Norman Vanamee, Town & Country, 7 May 2023 See All Example Sentences for earl
Word History
Etymology
Middle English erl, from Old English eorl warrior, nobleman; akin to Old Norse jarl warrior, nobleman
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