abbess

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Related terms 1.3.3 Translations 1.4 Shorthand

[edit] English

Wikipedia

[edit] Etymology

From Old French abaesse, abeesse, French abbesse, Latin abbatissa, feminine of abbas, abbatis, abbot.

[edit] Pronunciation

• (RP) IPA: /ˈæbɪs/
•  Audio (US)^{help, file}

[edit] Noun

abbess (plural abbesses)

1. A female superior or governess of a nunnery, or convent of nuns, having the same authority over the nuns which the abbots have over the monks.

   The abbess was always after the nuns to keep the convent immaculately clean.

2. (obsolete, slang) A bawd, the mistress of a brothel (1811 Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue).

[edit] Synonyms

• (female superior of a nunnery): mother superior
• (a bawd): lady abbess

[edit] Related terms

• abbey
• abbot

[edit] Translations

[edit] Shorthand

• Gregg (Version: Centennial,Series 90,DJS,Simplified,Anniversary,Pre-Anniversary): a - b - e - left s