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Definition of captaincy

captaincy

/ˈkæp.tən.si/
cap · tain · cy
Plural:captaincies
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captaincy Lexical Profile

captaincy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The rank, position, or period of office of a captain, especially of a sports team, ship, aircraft, or military unit.

Example

"The veteran midfielder was awarded the team captaincy ahead of the upcoming international tournament."

2

A historical colonial administrative division or jurisdiction in the Spanish and Portuguese empires, governed by a captain-general.

Example

"During the sixteenth century, the Portuguese crown divided the Brazilian coast into hereditary captaincies to encourage settlement."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for captaincy

• Nearby Words

capstone
capsule
captain
captaincy
captainship
captcha
caption

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-17th century from 'captain' plus the suffix '-cy' (denoting rank or office); 'captain' itself derives via Old French from Late Latin 'capitaneus' ('chief'), rooted in Latin 'caput' ('head').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Captaincy. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/captaincy
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