Also 7–9 -ance. [Formed as next: see -ENCE. Cf. obs. F. superintendance (mod.F. surintendance), It. sopr(a)intendenza, Sp., Pg. superintendencia.]
1. The function or occupation of a superintendent; the action or work of superintending.
1603. Holland, Plutarch’s Mor., 1312. Eudoxus … asked the reason, why Ceres had no charge and superintendance over Love matters.
a. 1665. J. Goodwin, Being filled with the Spirit (1867), 83. They do it by virtue of a certain superintendence and instigation of the Spirit of God.
1779. Mirror, No. 25, ¶ 3. I was just returning from the superintendence of my plows in a field.
1814. Scott, Wav., iii. Had his father placed him under the superintendence of a permanent tutor.
1867. Ruskin, Time & Tide, ii. § 8. To occupy themselves in the superintendence of public institutions.
1876. Encycl. Brit., V. 668/2. The … intendant of circuit, who has a direct general superintendence over all the affairs of the circuit.
† 2. A body of superintendents of the Church of Scotland. Obs.
a. 1578. Lindesay (Pitscottie), Chron. Scot., II. 232. The maist pairt of the vniuersitie of Sanctandros convenit with the haill ministeris and superintendence in Edinburgh.
