lordship

noun

Etymology: From Middle English lordschipe, from Old English hlāfordsċiepe, equivalent to lord + -ship. Cognate with Scots lairdschip. Doublet of lairdship.

1. The state or condition of being a lord.

   “For example, we know that Alfred did connect land tenure with lordship and that he was particularly interested in questions of military service[…]”

   “Lordship entails both privilege and responsibility. Lords have power over their subjects, but that power is granted them so that they can protect and provide for others.”

2. Title applied to a lord, bishop, judge, or another man with a title.

   “May I ask that the order be granted, if your lordship so pleases?”

   “'He's had his bath,' she said. 'He's just had his bath, bless his little lordship's heart.'”

3. A man (sometimes a boy) who is behaving in a seigneurial manner or acting like a lord, behaving in a bossy manner or lording it up
4. Seigniory; domain; the territory over which a lord holds jurisdiction; a manor.

   “What lands and lordships for their owner know / My quondam barber, but his worship now.”

   “[…]for whose ransom he compelled Lord Percy to build the castle of Punnoon, in the lordship of Eaglesham.”

5. Dominion; power; authority.

   “But Jesus called them to him, and saith unto them, Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and their great ones exercise authority upon them.”