sophistress

English

Etymology

From sophister +‎ -ess

Noun

sophistress (plural sophistresses)

1. A female sophist.
   • 1677, Thomas D’Urfey, A Fond Husband, London: James Magnes & Richard Bentley, Act V, Scene 5, p. 61,^[1]

     Now the mighty Sophistress is o’erthrown!

   • 1735, Alexander Pope, “A Defence of the Fair Sex” in Mr. Pope’s Literary Correspondence, London: E. Curll, Volume 3, p. 185,^[2]

     What will you say to Aspatia Milesia, who is celebrated as a Sophistress, (you know the Word Sophister was not then abused) a Teacher of Rhetoric, and a Poetess?

   • 1808, Henrietta Rouviere, The Old Irish Baronet, London: Lane, Newman, & Co., Volume 2, Chapter 8, p. 160,^[3]

     “Every person,” replied Ellen, deeply blushing, “is warranted in giving their opinion of another. No human creature is perfect; but where the good qualities of any character predominate, I should certainly be inclined to overlook the lesser imperfections which might shade it.”

     “Admirable sophistress!” said the Signora archly […]