countess

The definition of a countess is a female equivalent of an earl, or is a wife or widow of a count or earl.

(noun)

The wife of the Earl of York is an example of a countess.

See countess in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Origin: ME countesse < OFr contesse < ML cometissa: see count & -ess

See countess in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A woman holding the title of count or earl.
a. The wife or widow of a count in various European countries.
b. The wife or widow of an earl in Great Britain.
Used as a title for such a noblewoman.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English countes

Origin: , from Old French contesse

Origin: , feminine of conte, count; see count²

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