rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryviscountNoble rank
noun

viscount

VYE-kownt/ˈvaɪkaʊnt/

A nobleman ranking below an earl and above a baron.

The viscount occupies a rank below the earl and above the baron.

In a noble court, one nobleman stands on a middle tier below an honored earl and above a lower baron, receiving a matching middle degree of deference.
Etymology
visLatindeputy, in place of
+countLatincompanion; nobleman

A viscount was originally a count's deputy, with count corresponding to English earl. That subordinate office became a peerage rank below an earl and above a baron.

In context

ManorialSociety ofGreatBritain0:56
Guidomar, Viscount of Limoges, as a vassal to the English King,
How Magna Carta happened 2: Playing with monarchs
OverSimplified0:00
Hi, Anthony Cary, 5th Viscount of Falkland.
The Falklands - MiniWars #1

More examples

  • A viscount ranks below an earl and above a baron.
  • He became a viscount after inheriting his father's title.
  • Several viscounts attended the coronation.

Forms

viscount · viscounts

viscountcy noun — The rank or title of a viscount.

Similar words

nobleman
A broader term for a man of any noble rank.
peer
Includes holders of several noble ranks, not just viscounts.