Skill, excellence, or distinction shown by a member of a class, particularly in academic performance or sportsmanship within a school or college setting.
From 'classman' + '-ship' (quality, state, or skill). This follows the pattern of words like 'sportsmanship' or 'craftsmanship' to describe excellence in a particular role.
This word is charmingly old-fashioned—it comes from a time when British schools took class standing so seriously that someone's academic ranking would literally follow them in life and reputation.
Gendered masculine via '-ship' suffix originally tied to 'manship.' Inherits masculine default from institutional language of mid-to-late 20th century.
Use 'class skill,' 'classroom conduct,' or 'collegial excellence' to avoid gendered framing of virtue and behavior.
["classroom conduct","collegial excellence","class etiquette"]
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