[f. as prec. + -SHIP.] The position or status of being a citizen, with its rights and privileges.
1611. Cotgr., Citoyennerie.… A Citizenship, the freedome of a Citie.
a. 1792. Bp. Horne, Occas. Serm., 158 (T.). Our citizenship, as saith the apostle, is in heaven.
a. 1831. Sir J. Sinclair, Corr., II. 13. General laws, relative to naturalization and citizenship.
1864. City Chamberlain to Garibaldi, in Times, 21 April, 14/2. The City of London invites you to-day to accept the highest honour at her disposal, placing your distinguished name upon the list of worthies inscribed upon the roll of honorary citizenship.
1869. Seeley, Lect. & Ess., i. 5. The Italian allies … had not yet been admitted to the Roman citizenship.
1881. N. T. (Rev. Vers.), Phil. iii. 20. For our citizenship [Wyclif living, 16th c. vv. conversation] is in heaven; from whence also we wait for a Saviour.
