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Glite Dictionary
count palatine

count palatine

9.9
A noble who rules a small area with royal power in medieval Europe
  • noun
  • Archaic
translation icon : conde palatino
  • The count palatine could exercise judicial powers independently of the king.

Examples

  • The count palatine wielded considerable authority over his principality.

  • The count palatine ruled over the region with great authority.

  • Several counts palatine played significant roles in the politics of medieval Germany.

  • Many counts palatine were influential during the medieval period.

  • The count palatine had the power to govern his territory without interference from the monarchy.

  • In his role as count palatine, he made important decisions regarding local taxation and law enforcement.

  • The count palatine was responsible for maintaining order and justice within his domain during the medieval era.

Synonyms

count
vscount palatine
142 8.2

A nobleman in some European countries with a rank like an earl

focuses on ruling with royal authority rather than rank alone
nobleman
vscount palatine
14 5.6

A man from a high social class who has a title

specifies actual ruling royal power within a personal domain rather than status
feudal lord
vscount palatine
2 9.5

A rich, powerful man who holds land from the king and gives soldiers to the king

stresses independent sovereign power in a territory rather than feudal vassalage
palsgrave
vscount palatine
  • Archaic
9.9

A lord who ruled part of a country with nearly all power in the Middle Ages

is the noble who exercised royal authority within such a palatinate
palatine
vscount palatine
  • Archaic
9.9

A noble or official with special royal powers

is specifically a noble exercising royal power in his own domain

Surface Forms

count palatine singular
counts palatine plural

Morphology

count + palatine

The phrase is compositional: it denotes a 'count' (nobleman) who possesses 'palatine' powers, so a learner who knows both constituents can directly infer it refers to a noble exercising palatine/regional authority. Although 'palatine' is somewhat specialized vocabulary, the meaning follows straightforward combination of the two words and is predictable from their definitions.

Etymology

Count palatine is a title from the Middle Ages that combines count, meaning a noble ruler, with palatine, a word linked to 'palace'. These counts were given the king's power to act for him, so they could 'rule' their region almost like a small king.