1. (n.) An earldom; the domain of a count or earl.

2. (n.) A circuit or particular portion of a state or kingdom, separated from the rest of the territory, for certain purposes in the administration of justice and public affairs; -- called also a shire. See Shire.

3. (n.) A count; an earl or lord.

Kreis ally archbishopric archdiocese archduchy archdukedom arrondissement bailiwick bishopric body politic borough buffer state canton captive nation chieftaincy chieftainry city city-state colony commonweal commonwealth commune congressional district constablewick country departement diocese district domain dominion duchy dukedom earldom electoral district electorate empery empire free city government grand duchy hamlet hundred kingdom land magistracy mandant mandate mandated territory mandatee mandatory metropolis metropolitan area nation nationality oblast okrug parish polis polity possession power precinct principality principate protectorate province puppet government puppet regime realm region republic riding satellite seneschalty settlement sheriffalty sheriffwick shire shrievalty soke sovereign nation stake state sultanate superpower territory toparchia toparchy town township village wapentake ward