Definition

The position or rank of a lieutenant in a military or police organization.

Example

He was promoted to the lieutenancy after years of dedicated service.

Conversation

Did you hear about John's new lieutenancy in the army?

Yeah, I heard he was promoted recently!

It must be exciting for him to take on that lieutenancy role.

Definitely! He’s been working hard for it.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Lieutenancy is derived from "lieutenant" (from Old French *lieutenant*, meaning 'deputy' or 'one who holds a place') and the suffix "-cy" (meaning the state or condition of). The term refers to the state or condition of being a deputy or holding a position of authority in the absence of a superior.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'lieutenant' as someone who acts in place of another, and the '-cy' indicates a state or condition, so 'lieutenancy' means the state of being a deputy.

Visually Confused Words