generalship
UK[ˈdʒenrəlʃɪp]US[ˈdʒen(ə)rəlˌʃɪp]
n
The skill or practice of leading an army, especially in planning and strategy.
n
The position, function, or period of command of a general.
Morpheme Breakdown
general
ship
general
military leader
ship
state or condition
Etymology
The word 'generalship' is a transparent English compound formed from the noun 'general' and the suffix '-ship'. The term 'general' entered English from Old French, tracing back to the Latin generalis, meaning 'pertaining to a whole class or kind'. Its specific military application, referring to a commander of an entire army, developed from the idea of an officer with overall, 'general' responsibility. The suffix '-ship', of Germanic origin, is used to form abstract nouns indicating a state, condition, office, or skill, as seen in words like 'friendship' and 'leadership'. Thus, 'generalship' literally means 'the state or skill of being a general', concretely referring to the office itself and abstractly to the qualities of military command and strategic acumen required for it.
Analysis
Structure: general (military leader) + ship (state or condition)
- general: From Latin generalis (pertaining to a whole class, common), via Old French. In this compound, it refers specifically to the military rank.
- ship: From Old English -scipe, a suffix forming nouns denoting state, condition, office, or skill.
Examples
His brilliant generalship turned the tide of the battle.
The book is a study of Napoleon's generalship during his early campaigns.
She was promoted to the generalship of the northern forces.