ˈEarl ˈMarshal
A high officer of state, formerly the deputy of the constable as judge of the curia militaris or court of chivalry. The title was originally ‘marshal’, but one of the holders of the dignity became in 1189 Earl of Pembroke, and it has never since been held by a person of lower rank than an earl. The office is now hereditary in the line of the Dukes of Norfolk, its functions being now confined to the presidency of the Heralds' College and the right of appointing its officers, and to certain purely ceremonial duties.
The equivalent Scottish office of marischal became in 14th c. hereditary in the family of Keith; in 1458 the holder of the office was created an earl under the title of Earl Marischal; the last Earl Marischal was attainted in 1716.
| 1297 R. Glouc. (Rolls ser.) 10733 Willam þe erl marschal deide þulke ȝer alas. 1495 Act 11 Hen. VII, xxxv. Preamb., The.. office of Erle Marchall of this Realme. 1603 Drayton Bar. Wars (R.) Being earl-marshall..welcomes her ashore. 1766 Entick London IV. 27 The four pursuivants..are also created by the earl-marshal. 1837 Penny Cycl. IX. 242/1 Earl Marshal of England..orders all great ceremonials. |