The Collaborative International Dictionary
Earl marshal \Earl" mar"shal\ An officer of state in England who marshals and orders all great ceremonials, takes cognizance of matters relating to honor, arms, and pedigree, and directs the proclamation of peace and war. The court of chivalry was formerly under his jurisdiction, and he is still the head of the herald's office or college of arms.
Wiktionary
n. (context UK English) A hereditary royal officeholder and chivalric title under the sovereign of the United Kingdom, responsible for state funerals and coronations.
Wikipedia
Earl Marshal (alternatively Marschal, Marischal or Marshall) is a hereditary royal officeholder and chivalric title under the sovereign of the United Kingdom used in England (then, following the Act of Union 1800, in the United Kingdom). It is the eighth of the Great Officers of State in the United Kingdom, ranking beneath the Lord High Constable and above the Lord High Admiral. The Earl Marshal has among its responsibilities, the organisation of major state ceremonies like State funerals and the monarch's coronation in Westminster Abbey. He is also a leading officer of arms and oversees the College of Arms.
The current Earl Marshal is Edward Fitzalan-Howard, 18th Duke of Norfolk, who inherited the position in 2002. There was formerly an Earl Marshall of Ireland and Earl Marischal of Scotland.
Usage examples of "earl marshal".
Harry made his bow and his excuses, still further excited and confused by this mention of the earl marshal.
Jebediah stood in the privileged position of earl marshal, on the top step of the dais and on the king's right side, minus his helmet but otherwise in full Michaeline battle attire, one gloved hand resting competently on his sword hilt.
But within the month it so befel that some of the lords and dukes came to the Earl Marshal, and prayed him to call together a great Folk-mote of all Oakenrealm.
Is the prince to tarry uninstalled, because, forsooth, the realm lacketh an earl marshal free of treasonable taint to invest him with his honors?
Jebediah of Alcara, as the Earl Marshal, had the keeping of all Gwynedd's military organization under his command, in addition to remaining Grand Master of the powerful Knights of Saint Michael.
He was also made Earl Marshal, an office left vacant as a result of the Duke of Norfolk's imprisonment in the Tower by Henry VIII.
Herein ye will find it written, that the Earl of Hertford shall be created Lord High Treasurer and Earl Marshal, with the title of Duke of Somerset, and his son Earl of Hertford.