ealdorman

Anglo‐Saxon official; the office was gradually replaced by the hereditary title of earl but was in part revived in the 19th century in the municipal office of alderman. Originally a nobleman placed by the king in charge of a shire, much of their administrative role was gradually taken over by sheriffs. In the 10th and 11th century, they increasingly became governors and military leaders of a wider area, and by the time of King Canute the term earl was preferred. This term survived the Norman Conquest, and the position became a hereditary title rather than an office.