countship

[ kount-ship ]

noun

1. the rank or position of a count.
2. the territory or jurisdiction of a count.

Word History and Origins

Origin of countship¹

First recorded in 1695–1705; count ² + -ship

Example Sentences

Hesse-Nassau was formed in 1867-1868 out of the territories which accrued to Prussia after the war of 1866, namely, the landgraviate of Hesse-Cassel and the duchy of Nassau, in addition to the greater part of the territory of Frankfort-on-Main, parts of the grand-duchy of Hesse, the territory of Homburg and the countship of Hesse-Homburg, together with certain small districts which belonged to Bavaria.

From Project Gutenberg

When the countship of Mansfeld was sequestrated, Hettstedt came into the possession of Saxony, passing to Prussia in 1815.

From Project Gutenberg

At first a countship, its two branches were raised to the rank of principalities of the Empire in 1744 and 1764 respectively; in 1806 they lost their independence and their lands now form part of the kingdoms of Bavaria and of W�rttemberg.

From Project Gutenberg

On his succession to the countship the Hollanders were willing to receive him, John II. of the House of Avesnes. but the Zeelanders were hostile; and a long struggle ensued before his authority was generally recognized.

From Project Gutenberg

His widow Alida, however, an ambitious woman of strong character, as soon as her husband was dead, hurried on a marriage between Ada and Count Louis of Loon; and attempted with the nobles of Holland, who now for the first time make their appearance as a power in the country, to oppose the claim which William had made to the countship as heir in the male line.

From Project Gutenberg