The word 伯爵 is formed by combining two characters, each contributing a specific meaning to create a new concept. The first character, 伯 (bó), originally meant "eldest" or "chief", often denoting a senior or leader within a clan or hierarchy. The second character, 爵 (jué), means "nobility" or "aristocratic rank", specifically referring to the feudal titles of peerage. When joined, they create the compound term for "Count" or "Earl", a specific senior rank of nobility, with 伯 emphasizing the "chief" or "paramount" status within the category of noble ranks indicated by 爵.