earl marshal of england
Earl Marshal of England. A great officer of state, who historically had jurisdiction over several courts, including the court of chivalry and the court of honor. • Under this office is the herald’s office, or college of arms. The Earl Marshal was also a judge of the Marshalsea court, now abolished. This office is quite ancient. Since 1672, it has been hereditary in the family of Howards, Dukes of Norfolk. — Often shortened to Earl Marshal.