[f. JUDGE sb. + -SHIP.] The office or function of a judge.

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a. 1677.  Barrow, Pope’s Suprem., Wks. 1687 I. 138 (R.). Concerning the Pope (his Universal Pastourship, Judgship in controversies, Power to call Councils…).

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1679.  Penn, Addr. Prot., 180. The Umpiridge & Judgship of their Meaning.

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1836–9.  Dickens, Sk. Boz, Steam Excurs. In the event of his not being previously appointed to a judgeship, it is probable that he will practise as a barrister.

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1891.  Law Times, XC. 419/2. To fill up two High Court judgeships, a County Court judgeship … and a registrarship in bankruptcy.

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1898.  Expositor, Nov., 356. The period of Samuel’s judgeship.

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  b.  humorously with poss. adj. as title for a judge.

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1820.  Examiner, No. 670. 463. So peremptory is your Judgeship against an unfortunate Radical Reformer! Ibid. (1821), 467/1. His Judgeship must be in a very comfortable state of ignorance.

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