leodsciepe

Meaning

1. a people

2. a nation

   Þes hlisa asprang þa on eallum þam leod-scipe...

   The fame of it sprang throughout all the nation...

   late 10th century, Ælfric, "Saint Agnes, Virgin"

3. the country of a people

   Paulus wearð þa afylled and gefrefrod mid þæs Halgan Gastes gife, and ferde to manegum lēodscipum, sawende Godes sæd. On sumere byrig he wæs twelf monað, on sumere twa gear, on sumere ðreo, and gesette biscopas, and mæsse-preostas, and Godes ðeowas; ferde siððan forð to oðrum lēodscipe, and dyde swa gelice.

   Paul was then filled and comforted with the grace of the Holy Ghost, and went to many countries, sowing God's seed. In one city he was twelve months, in one two years, in one three, and appointed bishops, and mass-priests, and servants of God; he went afterwards to another country, and did in like manner.

   c. 992, Ælfric, "The Nativity of St. Paul the Apostle"

Declension