Overlordships

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The positions, authority, or dominion held by a supreme ruler over lesser lords ; the lands or realms over which such a supreme ruler holds sway
2. The status and power exercised by a paramount lord over subordinate rulers ; the domains and territories that fall under a paramount lord's control
3. The rule and high station of a sovereign over vassals ; the regions and provinces governed by such a sovereign lord

Etymology: "Overlordships" is simply the plural of "overlordship", which is a form of the noun "overlord" with the suffix "-ship" added. The noun "overlord" combines "over", meaning above or superior in rank, with "lord", the holder of authority over others. The suffix "-ship" attaches to a noun to denote a state, office, or condition, as in "friendship" or "kingship". The noun "overlordship" dates back to Middle English, where it appeared as "owr lardschip", a form that shows how "lord" had been pronounced and spelled differently from its modern version. Its meaning remained close to its parts: the rank, authority, or dominion of a lord who ruled over other lords. Its plural, "overlordships", refers to several such positions or domains of supreme rule.

Synonyms: overlordship, suzerainty, sovereignty, dominion, lordship

Antonyms: vassalage, servitude