Cardinalship
/ˈkɑːrdɪnəlʃɪp/noun
The rank or office of a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church.
Did you know?The term 'Cardinal' comes from the Latin 'cardo', meaning 'hinge', symbolizing the essential role of cardinals in the Church's structure, as if they are the very hinges of divine power.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
cardinalis
“pertaining to the hinge; essential, pivotal.”
14th Century
Old French
cardinal
“of primary importance, essential.”
15th Century
English
cardinal
“a high-ranking ecclesiastical official.”
18th Century
English
cardinalship
“the position or dignity of a cardinal.”
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