Old English · noun

eorl

Part of speech: noun, masculine
Declension: strong a-stem
IPA: /e͜orl/
[e͜orˠl]
Syllables: e͜orl (1 syllable)
Modern English: earl nobleman continental europe governmental jarl positions ranks

Meaning

A nobleman; a male belonging to the nobility.
A warrior or hero.

Iċ…, eald ǣfensceōp, eorlum bringe blisse in burgum.

I…, old evening scop, bring bliss in towns for brave men.
10th century, Exeter Book Riddle 8:
In senses referring to specific noble ranks or governmental positions:; A Norse under-king; a jarl.
In senses referring to specific noble ranks or governmental positions:; An ealdorman (Anglo-Saxon high nobleman and governmental official).
In senses referring to specific noble ranks or governmental positions:; A count of continental Europe.

Declension

Declension of eorl
	Singular	Plural
Nominative	eorl	eorlas
Accusative	eorl	eorlas
Genitive	eorles	eorla
Dative	eorle	eorlum

Etymology

From Proto-Germanic *erlaz, further origin unknown; cognate with Old Saxon erl, Old High German erl, Old Norse jarl. The use of this term in reference to specific positions and ranks is likely a semantic loan from Old Norse jarl and Old French conte.

Descendants

earl

Source: Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0 · en.wiktionary.org/wiki/eorl · CC BY-SA 4.0 licence · Attribution