Capitainship

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The rank, office or position of being a captain of a ship, team or other group ; the leadership skill and personal qualities that a good captain is expected to show
2. The status of holding command as a captain over a vessel or side ; the ability and character that make someone fit to lead as a captain
3. The role of commanding a ship, sports team or company ; the competence, judgement and temperament that a person needs to lead well in that role

Etymology: "Capitainship" is an older spelling of "captainship," built from "capitain," the earlier form of "captain," and the suffix "-ship." "Capitain" came into English from Old French "capitaine," which descends from Late Latin "capitaneus," meaning a chief or leader. That Latin term comes from "caput," meaning "head," so the leader of a company of soldiers shares a root with "chief" and "chapter." The suffix "-ship" comes from Old English "scipe," meaning a state, condition, or office, as in "friendship" or "lordship." Put together, "capitainship" denotes the office or rank of a captain. Today the form is rare, and "captaincy" has largely replaced it.