Earl vs. Baron — What's the Difference?

Earl () is a rank of the nobility in Britain. The title originates in the Old English word eorl, meaning "a man of noble birth or rank".

Baron is a rank of nobility or title of honour, often hereditary, in various European countries, either current or historical. The female equivalent is baroness.

A British nobleman next in rank above a viscount and below a marquis, corresponding to a count in continental Europe.

A member of the lowest order of the British nobility. Baron is not used as a form of address, barons usually being referred to as ‘Lord’.

Used as a title for such a nobleman.

An important or powerful person in a specified business or industry

(entomology) Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genus Tanaecia. Other butterflies in this genus are called counts and viscounts.

A British nobleman of the lowest rank.

A nobleman of England ranking below a marquis, and above a viscount. The rank of an earl corresponds to that of a count (comte) in France, and graf in Germany. Hence the wife of an earl is still called countess. See Count.

A nobleman of continental Europe, ranked differently in various countries.

The needlefish.

A Japanese nobleman of the lowest rank.

A British peer ranking below a Marquess and above a Viscount

Used as the title for such a nobleman.

A feudal tenant holding his rights and title directly from a king or another feudal superior.

A lord or nobleman; a peer.

One having great wealth, power, and influence in a specified sphere of activity

A cut of beef consisting of a double sirloin.

The male ruler of a barony.

A male member of the lowest rank of English nobility (the equivalent rank in Scotland is lord).

(by extension) A person of great power in society, especially in business and politics.

A prisoner who gains power and influence by lending or selling goods such as tobacco.

A baron of beef, a cut made up of a double sirloin.

Any of various nymphalid butterflies of the genus Euthalia.

A husband.

A title or degree of nobility; originally, the possessor of a fief, who had feudal tenants under him; in modern times, in France and Germany, a nobleman next in rank below a count; in England, a nobleman of the lowest grade in the House of Lords, being next below a viscount.

A husband; as, baron and feme, husband and wife.

A nobleman (in various countries) of varying rank

A British peer of the lowest rank

A very wealthy or powerful businessman;