Earldom (?), n. [AS. eorl-d&unr_;m; eorl man, noble + -d&unr_;m -dom.] 1. The jurisdiction of an earl; the territorial possessions of an earl.[1913 Webster]
2. The status, title, or dignity of an earl.[1913 Webster]
He [Pulteney] shrunk into insignificancy and an earldom.