[f. SOLDIER sb. + -SHIP.] The state or condition of being a soldier; the qualities of a soldier; military experience or skill. Also fig. (quot. 1561).
Common c. 1600 and in the 19th century.
1561. T. Norton, Calvin’s Inst., IV. 85. There is … most haynous wrong done … if forsakers of monasteries be chosen to the soldiorship of the clergie.
1596. Nashe, Saffron Walden, Wks. (Grosart), III. 153. What his Soldiourship is I cannot judge.
1605. Shaks., Macb., V. iv. 16. Put we on Industrious Souldiership.
1658. Domestic State Papers, 351. He fears his want of experience in soldiership.
1754. P. H., Hiberniad, III. 24. A String of Absurdities, relative to the Soldiership of the Irish.
1813. Examiner, 10 Jan., 17/1. We do not mean to under-value a true spirit of soldiership.
1887. Spectator, 30 July, 1023/2. The German Army … is a School from top to bottom, in which the science and practice of soldiership is effectively and systematically taught.
