[f. FOOL sb.1 + -SHIP.]
1. The quality or state of being a fool or jester.
1630. J. Taylor (Water P.), Laugh & be fat, Wks. II. 70/2.
| Or rather then for fooleship we will brawle, | |
| You shall be foole in Court, on Thames and all. |
2. A mock title for a fool.
1643. Owen, Puritan turned Jesuit, 29. Let thy great fooleship know that [etc.].
1663. Cowley, Cutter of Coleman St., IV. vi. The Law will allow her honourable Alimony out o’ your Foolship’s Fortune.
1746. W. Horsley, Fool, No. 24, ¶ 4. My Foolship cannot talk like other People’s.
