Earldom

n.	1.	The jurisdiction of an earl; the territorial possessions of an earl.
	2.	The status, title, or dignity of an earl. He [Pulteney] shrunk into insignificancy and an earldom. - Chesterfield.

Noun	1.	earldom - the dignity or rank or position of an earl or countess
	2.	earldom - the domain controlled by an earl or count or countess

EARLDOM. The seigniory of an earl; the title and dignity of an earl.

rank