IPA: //ˈstɑːt.hoʊldər.ʃɪp//
KK: /ˈstɑtˌhoʊldərˌʃɪp/
The position or role of a leader or governor in certain regions, especially in the Netherlands, during historical times.
The stadtholdership was a significant position in the governance of the Dutch Republic.
Stadtholdership is formed from "stadtholder" (from Dutch, meaning steward or holder of a place) and "-ship" (meaning the state or condition of). The term refers to the position or office of a stadtholder, essentially denoting the role of a steward or leader in a specific area.
Think of a 'stadtholder' as someone who 'holds' ('holder') a position of authority in a place ('stad'), and '-ship' indicates the state of that role. This helps you remember that 'stadtholdership' refers to the office or position of a leader.