lieutenancy

[ loo-ten-uhn-see ]

noun

, plural lieu·ten·an·cies.

1. the office, authority, incumbency, or jurisdiction of a lieutenant.
2. lieutenants collectively.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lieutenancy¹

First recorded in 1400–50, lieutenancy is from the late Middle English word lieutenauncie. See lieutenant, -ancy

Example Sentences

Every public office, every bench of justice, every commission of Lieutenancy, was filled with Roundheads.

From Project Gutenberg

He entered as a private, rose to be a sergeant, and his name was down for a first lieutenancy when he left the army.

From Project Gutenberg

I had a lieutenancy offered me three or four times; but that is not bread, madam—I live much better as I do.

From Project Gutenberg

After some years service against Napoleon, he had resigned his lieutenancy in the 44th Regiment.

From Project Gutenberg

Shortly after Dettingen Wolfe was appointed adjutant and promoted to a lieutenancy.

From Project Gutenberg