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Peer's territory (7) - Crossword Clue
Answer: EARLDOM
An earldom represents the territorial domain and hereditary title held by an earl, one of the highest-ranking nobles in the British peerage system.
This seven-letter answer perfectly captures the concept of a peer's territory, as earls historically governed specific regions and maintained authority over their designated lands.
Understanding Earldoms in the Peerage System
- An earldom functions as both a geographic territory and a noble rank within the aristocratic hierarchy.
- When someone becomes an earl, they receive not just a title but traditional association with a specific region or county.
- The earldom system dates back to Anglo-Saxon England, where earls served as powerful regional governors appointed by the monarch.
Tips for Solving Similar Crossword Clues
- Look for rank indicators: Words like "peer," "noble," or "lord" often point toward peerage titles. The letter count guides you to the specific rank.
- Consider territory keywords: "Domain," "territory," "lands," or "holdings" suggest answers related to noble estates or jurisdictions.
- Think hierarchically: Different letter counts indicate different ranks - dukedom (7), marquessate (11), earldom (7), viscountcy (10), or barony (6).
- Remember alternative terms: "County" can also mean earldom historically, as earls often governed counties (the word "county" derives from "count," the continental equivalent of earl).
- Check crossing letters: The double 'D' in earldom is distinctive and helps confirm the answer when intersecting with other solutions.
Peer's territory (7) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: What's the difference between an earldom and a county?
Historically, they were closely related - earls governed counties, giving counties their name. Today, an earldom is a hereditary noble title, while a county is an administrative region without noble connections.
Q: Can anyone inherit an earldom?
Earldoms typically pass through male primogeniture (eldest son inherits), though some modern earldoms allow female inheritance. The specific rules depend on the original patent creating the title.
Q: Are there still active earldoms today?
Yes, approximately 191 earldoms exist in the British peerage system. While they no longer govern territories, earls may sit in the House of Lords and maintain ceremonial duties.
Q: What other noble territories appear in crosswords?
Common alternatives include dukedom, barony, fiefdom, realm, demesne, and manor - each with different letter counts and historical contexts.
Q:Why is it spelled "earldom" not "earldum"?
The suffix "-dom" comes from Old English "dōm," meaning judgment, authority, or domain. It appears in words like kingdom, freedom, and wisdom, denoting a state or condition of being.
