[f. LEGATE sb.1 + -SHIP.] The dignity and office of a legate.

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1556.  Chron. Gr. Friars (Camden), 96. Thomas Creme some tyme archebyshoppe of Cantorbery … was desgraded of hys leggatsheppe.

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1653.  H. Cogan, Scarlet Gown, 86. In his Legateship of Ferrara he carried himself very wisely.

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1774.  J. Collyer, Hist. Eng., II. 203. The cardinal Anagni … had succeeded Albano in the legateship.

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1876.  Tennyson, Q. Mary, V. v. The Holy Father Has ta’en the legateship from our cousin Pole.

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