1. the jurisdictions or territories under the authority of sheriffs
Usage: primarily British; legal/administrative term

Examples

• The ancient sheriffdoms of Scotland were reorganized in the 19th century.
• Each of the sheriffdoms had its own court system and administrative structure.
• The boundaries of the sheriffdoms were clearly marked on the official map.
• Local disputes were handled within the respective sheriffdoms.
• The reform consolidated several smaller sheriffdoms into larger administrative units.
• Historical records show the evolution of these sheriffdoms over centuries.