Ossory, ancient kingdom of Ireland, the borders of which are now largely traced by those of the Roman Catholic episcopal see of Ossory, including Kilkenny and parts of Co. Offaly and Co. Laoighis. An independent state on the borders of Leinster and Munster, its overlordship was long disputed. It became part of Leinster under the Normans in the 12th cent., and by the middle of the 14th cent. had become part of the earldom of Ormonde, held by the Butler family.
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