Administrative in Merovingian and Carolingian France, inheritors of what became, during the middle ages, as the Counties. The title of count merged with the Anglo-Saxon conception of
Earl , a title carrying more governing and military responsibilities. The two together merged, becoming synonymous, Earl being correct in England and Count or Compte in France. Graf was the German equivalent, Jarl the Welsh. Counts rank above
barons and
viscounts , but below
dukes , and are known by the title 'excellency'. Within the
SCA , the rank of Count or Earl is applied to gentles who have reigned once, proving victorious in
Crown Tournament and thus reigning over an SCA
kingdom for four to seven months. 
