lordship

noun

lord·​ship ˈlȯrd-ˌship How to pronounce lordship (audio)
1
a
: the rank or dignity of a lord
used as a title
b
: the authority or power of a lord : dominion
2
: the territory under the jurisdiction of a lord : seigniory

Examples of lordship in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Under the Zhou dynasty, many smaller lordships fought for power in their regions including Hubei Province where the tombs are buried, according to Britannica. Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 22 Apr. 2024 In 1606, the estate’s lordship was acquired by Jean Sève, a Calvinist who played an important role in the uprising that led to Lyon coming back under the authority of Henry IV in 1594. Demetrius Simms, Robb Report, 12 Apr. 2024 But, of course, Scott’s betrayal is a small episode in the collapse of decency and any sense of shame that Trump’s lordship demands of his acolytes. Christian Schneider, National Review, 25 Jan. 2024 Oliver has a chance to do Felix a favor—his lordship is late for class, and his bike has a flat. Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 18 Nov. 2023 Declaring a man’s sins forgiven, referring to himself as greater than the Temple, claiming lordship over the Sabbath and authority over the Torah, insisting that his followers love him more than their mothers and fathers, more than their very lives, Jesus assumed a divine prerogative. Robert Barron, WSJ, 2 Apr. 2021 In truth, his lordship could have gone further. The Economist, 27 Feb. 2021 To kill it is not to restate one’s lordship over the earth but rather to recognize and kill a destructive aspect in our own nature. Aatish Taseer, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2023 This sounds like a mutually beneficial arrangement between his lordship and the royal spouse. Mike Bass, The Enquirer, 25 Aug. 2021

Word History

First Known Use

before the 12th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of lordship was before the 12th century

Dictionary Entries Near lordship

Cite this Entry

“Lordship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lordship. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

lordship

noun
lord·​ship ˈlȯ(ə)rd-ˌship How to pronounce lordship (audio)
1
: the rank or dignity of a lord
used as a title
his lordship is not at home
2
: the authority, power, or territory of a lord
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!