Definition of "eldership"

eldership

noun
countable and uncountable, plural elderships
1. Seniority; the state or condition of being older.
  Quotations
  Though Truth and Falsehood are as twins ally'd, There's eldership on Truth's delightful side.
  1786, Thomas Parnell, The Poetical Works of Dr. Thomas Parnell
  It followeth now to entreat how the world began to receive rule and government, which, while it had scarcity of people, underwent no other dominion than paternity and eldership.
  1829, Walter Raleigh, The works of sir Walter Ralegh
2. The position or office of being an elder.
  Quotations
  When I came first to Caulds I sought to prevail upon him to accept the eldership, but he aye put me by, and when I heard his tale I saw that he had done wisely.
  1902, John Buchan, The Outgoing of the Tide
3. The smallest administrative division in Lithuania, equivalent to a ward.