/ree"deuhr ship'/ , n.
1. the people who read or are thought to read a particular book, newspaper, magazine, etc.: The periodical has a dwindling readership.
2. the duty, status, or profession of a reader.
3. (esp. in British universities) the position of instructor or lecturer.
4. the state or quality of being a reader: appealing to a higher level of readership.
[ 1710-20; READER + -SHIP ]