la·dy·ship \ˈlādēˌship, -diˌ-\noun Etymology: Middle English ladishippe, lafdischipe, from ladi, lafdi lady + -shippe, -schipe -ship 1.: the condition of being a lady : rank of lady 2.often capitalized: the personality of a woman having the rank or title of Lady — used in a mode of reference < her Ladyship > or of address < your Ladyship >