noun
- plural of guildship; the state, status, or membership of belonging to a guild; the rights and privileges associated with guild membership.
Usage: historical; chiefly British
Examples
- Medieval craftsmen valued their guildships as they provided protection and economic security.
- The guildships of London's merchant companies were highly sought after during the Renaissance.
- Loss of guildship meant exclusion from the trade and its associated benefits.
- Young apprentices worked toward earning their guildships after years of training.
- The charter granted guildships to all qualified members of the stonemasons' association.