noun
count
A European nobleman ranking below a marquess.
The count welcomes visitors to his family's estate.
Etymology
Latin comes meant companion. The title developed from companions and officials of a ruler, turning personal attendance on authority into an established noble rank.
More examples
- A portrait of the count hung above the fireplace.
- Two counts attended the royal reception.
- The historian described the count's role at court.
Forms
count · counts
Similar words
- earl
- The corresponding title in the British peerage.