Covent Garden abbess

English

Etymology

A reference to the brothels and prostitutes that were once common in and around Covent Garden in London.

Noun

Covent Garden abbess (plural Covent Garden abbesses)

1. (archaic, British slang) A procuress; a woman who procures customers for prostitutes.

Related terms

• abbess (“brothel madam”), Covent Garden ague, Covent Garden nun

References

• Albert Barrère and Charles G[odfrey] Leland, compilers and editors (1889–1890) “Covent Garden abbess”, in A Dictionary of Slang, Jargon & Cant […], volume I (A–K), Edinburgh: […] The Ballantyne Press, →OCLC, pages 275–276.
• John S[tephen] Farmer; W[illiam] E[rnest] Henley, compilers (1891) “Covent Garden abbess”, in Slang and Its Analogues Past and Present. […], volume II, [London: […] Harrison and Sons] […], →OCLC, page 193.