The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Superintendence \Su`per*in*tend"ence\, n. [Cf. F.
   superintendance.]
   The act of superintending; care and oversight for the purpose
   of direction; supervision. --Barrow.
   [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Inspection; oversight; care; direction; control;
        guidance.
        [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

superintendence
    n 1: management by overseeing the performance or operation of a
         person or group [syn: supervision, supervising,
         superintendence, oversight]