Home

viscountcy

A viscountcy is a hereditary title of nobility often ranking below an earldom but above a barony within the system of nobility in many European countries. The title of viscount typically ranks fifth in the order of precedence after duke, marquess, earl, and baron.

Etymology of the term "viscount" can be traced back to 13th-century England, derived from the Old French

In modern times, a viscount typically commands hereditary lands or a territorial designation. The holder of

Viscounties are created under royal sovereignty from the monarch of the respective country. Often, the grant

Throughout history, the title of viscount has held a diverse range of meanings and responsibilities depending

word
"viscount,"
which
is
a
combination
of
two
words:
"visAGE"
(meaning
"concealing"
or
"
hidden")
and
"count,"
referring
to
a
county
or
a
region.
Over
time,
the
title
of
viscount
became
associated
with
various
administrative
roles
within
medieval
shires.
a
viscountcy
typically
holds
the
right
to
a
seat
in
the
House
of
Lords
in
the
UK,
although
this
right
may
be
subject
to
change
under
revisions
to
the
British
nobility
system.
of
a
viscountcy
comes
with
a
coat
of
arms,
an
official
seal
and
other
representative
symbols
of
the
titleholder's
noble
status.
on
the
specific
situation
or
jurisdiction
within
which
it
is
used.
The
limited
number
of
women
ever
confirmed
as
viscountesses
in
the
historical
record
highlights
one
prevalent
challenge
the
title
of
viscount
has
encountered
over
the
years.