[f. prec. + -SHIP.] The state or condition of being a virtuoso; the profession of a virtuoso.
a. 1711. Shaftesb., Charac., III. 160. Let us view Philosophy, like mere Virtuoso-ship, in its usual Career.
1749. Mrs. Montagu, Lett. (1813), III. 98. Vanity and virtuosoship go hand in hand.
1778. Phil. Surv. S. Irel., 34. Too refined … by Italian virtuosoship, for the relish of his country neighbours.
1831. Carlyle, Misc. Ess., Schiller (1872), III. 65. Apart from virtuosoship, or any technical object, what a hold have such things on our universal curiosity as men.
1887. E. Gurney, Tertium Quid, II. 110. The most brainless and soulless form of virtuosoship.
