Earl, erl, in England, a title of nobility, ranking next below duke and marquis. The oldest son of an earl is a viscount. The coronet of an earl consists of a gold band or circlet, from which rise eight lofty rays of gold, supporting pearls. In shape these rays look something like the elevated eyes of a snail. Between each pair of rays is a gold leaf. The earl's coronet, like that of the duke's may be closed with a velvet cap, if so desired. The wife of an earl is called a countess. She is entitled to wear a coronet much resembling that of her husband, except that the rays are shorter. An earl is entitled to appear in the House of Lords wearing a scarlet robe trimmed with ermine. In writing to an earl, the sovereign addresses him as "True and well beloved cousin." See DUKE; PRECEDENCE.