Abbess
WordNet

noun


(1)   The superior of a group of nuns
WiktionaryText

Etymology


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

Noun



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

Synonyms


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