countess

Count (feminine: countess) is a historical title of nobility in certain European countries, varying in relative status, generally of middling rank in the hierarchy of nobility. Especially in earlier medieval periods the term often implied not only a certain status, but also that the count had specific responsibilities or offices. The etymologically related English term "county" denoted the territories associated with some countships, but not all. The title of count is typically not used in England or English-speaking countries, with the equivalent title earl used instead. As a feminine form of earl never developed, the female equivalent countess is retained.