lordship

[lawrd-ship] /ˈlɔrd ʃɪp/

noun

(often initial capital letter) a term of respect used when speaking of or to certain noblemen (usually preceded by his or your).

the state or dignity of a lord.

the authority or power of a lord.

the domain of a lord.

British, (often initial capital letter) a term of respect used when speaking of or to judges (usually preceded by his or your).

Origin

before 900; Middle English; Old English hlāfordscipe. See lord, -ship

Examples from the web for lordship

At witch time a change of land-lordship will be sought.
What his lordship did not explain was what might be done about it.
In the case of selling a lordship against electoral campaign money for instance.
And the princess, his lordship said angrily, was nursing a broken heart.
The lordship controversy is a disagreement over the nature of true faith.
By a quick side motion of his head his lordship escaped the discharge.
That's where his lordship is hung from the roof of a huge teepee with hooks through his pectoral muscles.

British Dictionary definitions for lordship

/ˈlɔːdʃɪp/

noun

the position or authority of a lord

Lordship

/ˈlɔːdʃɪp/

noun

(Brit) preceded by Your or His. a title used to address or refer to a bishop, a judge of the high court, or any peer except a duke

Word Origin and History for lordship

c.1300, from Old English hlafordscipe "authority, rule" (translating Latin dominatio); see lord (n.) + -ship.