jarl

Definition

A medieval Scandinavian nobleman, especially in Norway and Denmark.

Etymology

From Old Norse jarl, from Proto-Norse ᛖᚱᛁᛚᚨᛉ (erilaʀ). Cognates include Old English eorl. Doublet of earl and eorl.

Example Sentences

• "There were three kinds of Viking: thralls, karls and jarls. Thralls were the slaves. They were owned by karls and jarls."