VISCOUNT

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does viscount mean? 

• VISCOUNT (noun)
  The noun VISCOUNT has 2 senses:

1. (in various countries) a son or younger brother or a count

2. a British peer who ranks below an earl and above a baron

  Familiarity information: VISCOUNT used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• VISCOUNT (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(in various countries) a son or younger brother or a count

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Hypernyms ("viscount" is a kind of...):

Lord; noble; nobleman (a titled peer of the realm)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A British peer who ranks below an earl and above a baron

Classified under:

Nouns denoting people

Hypernyms ("viscount" is a kind of...):

peer (a nobleman (duke or marquis or earl or viscount or baron) who is a member of the British peerage)

 Context examples 

The influence of the viscount and viscountess in their brother's behalf was assisted by that right understanding of Mr. Morland's circumstances which, as soon as the general would allow himself to be informed, they were qualified to give.

(Northanger Abbey, by Jane Austen)

Sir Walter had once been in company with the late viscount, but had never seen any of the rest of the family; and the difficulties of the case arose from there having been a suspension of all intercourse by letters of ceremony, ever since the death of that said late viscount, when, in consequence of a dangerous illness of Sir Walter's at the same time, there had been an unlucky omission at Kellynch.

(Persuasion, by Jane Austen)