Meaning & Definition of word "Countess"

Countess

/ˈkaʊntɪs/

1. The wife or widow of a count or an earl.
- Example: The countess attended the royal ball in a magnificent gown.
2. A woman holding the rank of count in her own right.
- Example: The countess ruled over her lands with great wisdom and fairness.
3. A title of nobility held by women in various countries.
- Example: She was known as Countess Lila, a title she inherited from her father.
4. A woman who is a member of the nobility, typically in European countries.
- Example: The countess hosted a charity event at her castle, inviting many prominent figures.

Derived from the Old French 'comtesse', which comes from 'comte', meaning count.

countess of a castle:

A noblewoman who has authority over a castle or estate.

countess by marriage:

A woman who receives the title of countess through marriage.

count:

A nobleman of high rank, often equivalent to an earl.

earl:

A British noble equivalent to a count.

viscountess:

The wife of a viscount or a woman holding the rank of viscount in her own right.

Meaning: A term for a woman with a high social status who is seen as haughty or elitist.

Example Sentence: She acts like a countess, looking down on those who aren't in her social circle.

Meaning: Used humorously to describe someone who enjoys playing the role of an aristocrat.

Example Sentence: She calls herself a countess when she wears her fancy hat to tea.