acquaintanceship

noun

Etymology: Etymology tree English acquaintance Proto-Germanic *skapjaną Proto-Germanic *-skapiz Proto-West Germanic *-skapi Old English -sċiepe Middle English -schipe English -ship English acquaintanceship From acquaintance + -ship.

1. The state of being acquainted.

   “What, eschew acquaintanceship? forget, After my most hearty commendations, my very trusty friend, ’Twere sin and shame Tomaso.”

   “To host and hostess thus with fortune blest, Lief had I come with better news to bear Unto your greeting and acquaintanceship;”

2. A relationship as acquaintances.

   “They began their acquaintanceship very lovingly, and after a shake or two by the hand, Bell gave him a more particular account of the uses and sanctity of his office […]”

   “In their long acquaintanceship and intimacy they could not recall an harsh word that had been uttered by Amelia.”