The office, rank, or position of being an alderman in local government.
From alderman (Old English ealdorman, chief) plus -ship (Old English suffix meaning state, condition, or rank, as in kinship). Used since medieval times.
Aldermanship represented real power in medieval towns—aldermen controlled trade, justice, and property, making it one of the most coveted positions before modern democracy transformed local government.
Traditionally gendered masculine; women aldermen were historically excluded from civic roles and when admitted, the title 'alderman' persisted as default despite 'alderwoman' being available.
Use 'alderman' or 'alderwoman' to match the person's gender, or 'alderperson' as gender-neutral alternative in formal contexts.
["alderperson","city councillor"]
Women fought for civic representation; acknowledge women aldermen's service equally when referencing historical or contemporary roles.
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