The term 'nobleman ranking above a viscount' is an EARL, which is a four-letter word. An EARL is a British nobleman ranking above a viscount and below a marquess in the British peerage system. Earls are usually members of the aristocracy and hold a higher rank than viscounts. They are also known as Counts in some countries. Earls have the right to sit in the House of Lords and are entitled to a coronet and supporters.