The San Pedro Sun this week caught my eye and made me begin to wonder when It referred to our mayor as, 'Her Worship Mayor Elsa Paz'.
So many quirks of the British Empire have slipped into our life here in Belize with out question, I wonder if we should not rethink some of them.
wor·ship (wûrshp)
n.
1.
a. The reverent love and devotion accorded a deity, an idol, or a sacred object.
b. The ceremonies, prayers, or other religious forms by which this love is expressed.
2. Ardent devotion; adoration.
3. often Worship Chiefly British Used as a form of address for magistrates, mayors, and certain other dignitaries: Your Worship.

What's quirky about that, we're part of the commonwealth and a former British colony. It hasn't slipped in it's been around for ages. You would rather we Americanize Belize and call her the Honorable Mayor? Next you'll want us to have a president.

I wouldn't want to Americanize anything in Belize.
Worship is a very odd title , you have to admit.
We need to analyze more and not accept with out question.
she isn't a deity.
The British have centurys of history and in their culture are some very socially archaic traditions.

You are welcome to employ that term when you address me from now on.
Her Worship, Amanda Syme LOL

I think the problem is with your dictionary, Elbert. "Worship" has a range of meanings, including what you cited as well as the "mayoral" sense.

Amanda
Just want to make sure Elbert gets it right
I think you are suposed to be addressed as "your worship" when actually spoken to (I assume a reply on the board is tantamount to speaking to you) and "her worship" should be used when referring to you. LOL

Peter please corrrect me if I am wrong

As long as I am not referred to as a Warship!

How about "Battle Ax"

or HMS

Ernie! Only my hubby gets to call me a Battle Axe. Ho ho.