County \Coun"ty\ (koun"t?), n.; pl. {Counties} (-t?z). [F.
comt?, fr. LL. comitatus. See {Count}.]
1. An earldom; the domain of a count or earl. [Obs.]
2. A circuit or particular portion of a state or kingdom,
separated from the rest of the territory, for certain
purposes in the administration of justice and public
affairs; -- called also a {shire}. See {Shire}.
Every county, every town, every family, was in
agitation. --Macaulay.