fathership

noun

fa·​ther·​ship

ˈfät͟hə(r)ˌship,

fȧt͟həˌsh-

plural -s

: the quality or state of being a father

especially : the state of being the oldest member of a society or associated group (as the British House of Commons)

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fadership, from fader + -ship

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