Nobles above viscounts

Certainly! In the British peerage system, nobles are ranked in a particular order. The ranks are (in descending order): duke, marquess, earl, viscount, and baron.

Earls are just below marquesses and above viscounts in rank. They are typically addressed as “Lord” and their wives as “Lady.” The title of Earl first appeared in England during the Anglo-Saxon period and was originally used to refer to a high-ranking military commander.

Over time, the title evolved to become a hereditary title of nobility similar to other peerage titles. Earls have historically been granted extensive political and civic power, as well as immense wealth and estates.

In the context of the crossword clue “Nobles above viscounts,” the answer would be “EARLS,” as they are the noble rank immediately above viscounts in the peerage system.