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 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 Plain and simple: the entity that owns the master has lordship over the song’s life after the recording (like usage in visual media and live performances). Kristin Vartan, EW.com, 15 Nov. 2019 His lordship over the Tigers is the reason that USC fans should not have to look back on 2013 and Orgeron with too much regret. Los Angeles Times, 14 Aug. 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lordship.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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 18 Mar. 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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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