lordship

American  

[lawrd-ship] / ˈlɔrd ʃɪp /

noun

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

2. the state or dignity of a lord.

3. the authority or power of a lord.

4. the domain of a lord.

5. British. a term of respect used when speaking of or to judges (usually preceded by his oryour ).

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Lordship ¹ British  

/ ˈlɔːdʃɪp /

noun

1. a title used to address or refer to a bishop, a judge of the high court, or any peer except a duke

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lordship ² British  

/ ˈlɔːdʃɪp /

noun

1. the position or authority of a lord

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Etymology

Origin of lordship

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

Example Sentences

In 2020, Cambodia’s king had bestowed upon Chen the title of neak oknha, similar to a lordship.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 20, 2026

It says: "For, as long as 100 of us remain alive, never will we on any conditions be subjected to the lordship of the English."

From BBC • Oct. 23, 2021

Does his lordship simply need some Pepto, or is something more dire in store? 

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 25, 2016

I hope your comment on Dick Pound being impressed by Coe's lordship and medal was written in the spirit of satire.

From New York Times • Jan. 14, 2016

Whenever the conference adjourned, I noticed, as no doubt his lordship did with some concern, that Mr Lewis would quickly take M. Dupont away to some comer or other where they could confer quietly.

From "The Remains of the Day" by Kazuo Ishiguro

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